Helping childhood cancer survivors and their doctors improve colorectal cancer screening

The ASPIRES Study: Activating Cancer Survivors and their Primary Care Providers to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11030321

This study is looking to help childhood cancer survivors who had radiation treatment in their belly or pelvis and are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer by using a digital program to encourage them and their doctors to follow screening guidelines better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030321 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on childhood cancer survivors who have undergone abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy and are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. It aims to improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening guidelines through a digital health intervention that activates both the survivors and their primary care providers. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with 315 participants, assessing the effectiveness of different activation strategies to encourage screening. By utilizing remote digital tools, the research seeks to bridge the gap in follow-up care for these high-risk individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are childhood cancer survivors aged 30 and older who have received abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy or are under the age of 30 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among childhood cancer survivors, leading to earlier detection and improved survival outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that digital health interventions can effectively improve screening rates in various populations, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.