Genetic tools to predict who will get colorectal cancer and when
Building Data Science Tools for Genetic Models of Colorectal Cancer Progression and Risk
This project will build genetic-based tools to help predict which people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer and the likely timing so screening can be better personalized.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212818 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will be asked to imagine researchers putting together genetic information, tissue samples, and long-term colonoscopy records to create a shared data resource. They plan to look at when specific genetic changes appear in precancerous polyps and match that timing to real-world follow-up so they can make individual risk timelines. The team will use existing VA screening cohorts and other datasets and apply new statistical methods to build and test these prediction tools. The work focuses on using existing medical records and donated samples rather than routine extra procedures for participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults eligible for colorectal cancer screening, especially those with a history of precancerous polyps, a family history of CRC, or available genetic/medical records to share.
Not a fit: People without available genetic data or longitudinal medical records, those not interested in data/sample sharing, or those needing immediate cancer treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors tailor when to start and how often to do colorectal screening, finding cancers earlier and avoiding unnecessary colonoscopies for low-risk people.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows colonoscopy and polyp removal prevent colorectal cancer and some genetic risk models can estimate lifetime risk, but using the timing of genetic changes to predict when cancer will develop is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hauser, Elizabeth R — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hauser, Elizabeth R
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 below.