Finding blood markers to predict colorectal cancer risk
Official title: Development of blood-based methylation biomarkers for CRC risk prediction
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10932128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to use blood tests to help predict the risk of colorectal cancer, especially for African Americans who are more likely to develop it, so that we can find it earlier and make screening easier than traditional methods like colonoscopies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $525,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281948-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those who are not at risk for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing blood-based biomarkers to predict the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in African American populations who are at higher risk. The study aims to identify specific DNA methylation patterns in blood samples that correlate with CRC, which could provide a less invasive screening method compared to traditional approaches like colonoscopy. By analyzing blood samples from patients, the researchers hope to create a reliable tool for early detection and prevention of CRC, ultimately reducing health disparities. The project will involve comparing blood samples from CRC patients to those from healthy individuals to validate the effectiveness of these biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple blood test that helps identify individuals at high risk for colorectal cancer, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood-based biomarkers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although this specific method is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghosh, Jayashri — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Ghosh, Jayashri
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.