Gastrointestinal Cancer SPORE at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Official title: Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center SPORE in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11393790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-year NIH grant supports focused work on colorectal cancer at Vanderbilt with emphasis on collaborative research, resources, and patient advocacy to accelerate discoveries and potential treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,317,951 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA236733-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with colorectal cancer or those at high risk, who may participate through future translational studies, clinical trials, or biospecimen contributions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colorectal cancer or without eligibility for related translational studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds a team at Vanderbilt to pursue translational GI cancer research centered on colorectal cancer, leveraging existing resources, a mix of clinical and basic scientists, and strong institutional support. It includes career development for investigators and dedicated cores for data, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and drug discovery using ex vivo models. Patient advocates are actively involved through a formal council to guide research priorities and ensure patient needs are considered. The program emphasizes collaborations across SPOREs, industry partners, and international groups to accelerate progress toward better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapeutic strategies and improved outcomes for people affected by colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GI SPORE efforts have demonstrated productive collaborations and tangible advances, with strong institutional backing and interconnected research activities.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffey, Robert J. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coffey, Robert J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Translational science to understand how GI cancers start and grow in Barrett’s esophagus
This grant looks at how Barrett’s esophagus may lead to esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer and what early signs could hint at cancer forming.
-
ctDNA-based monitoring to guide extra treatment after colorectal cancer surgery
A doctor-led program will use a blood test to find tiny cancer traces after surgery for Stage III colorectal cancer and see if additional therapy can improve chances of cure.
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Help Fatigue and Caregiver Burden in Advanced GI Cancer
A patient-facing trial will test a telephone-based therapy to help people with advanced gastrointestinal cancer manage fatigue and reduce the stress on their family caregivers.
-
Predicting GI cancer outcomes using routine blood data in everyday care
A doctor-researcher will develop and test computer models that use routine blood test results to flag potential gastrointestinal cancers during normal clinic visits.
-
Understanding GI Cancer Disparities in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
A NIH-funded project aims to understand why Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have different gastrointestinal cancer outcomes and how social factors influence these differences.
-
Vanderbilt program to improve colorectal cancer care
Vanderbilt researchers are developing new tests and treatments to help people with colorectal cancer live longer and healthier lives.
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.