How colon polyps progress: tissue environment, cell clones, and gut bacteria
Understanding adenoma progression: Interplay among tissue microenvironment, clonal architecture, and gut microbiome
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11210756
This project looks at why some colon polyps (adenomas) turn into cancer by examining the surrounding tissue, the polyp's cell makeup, and gut bacteria in people with or at risk for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11210756 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be asked to contribute tissue and stool samples so researchers can compare early polyps, nearby normal colon tissue, and microbial communities. Scientists will map which cell clones and molecular changes are present in polyps and in the surrounding colon, and measure DNA methylation and other markers that may signal a colon that is "primed" for progression. They will also profile the gut microbiome to see whether certain bacterial patterns associate with polyps that later become advanced. The team combines molecular profiling and clinical information to identify features that predict which adenomas are more likely to progress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have colon adenomas found on colonoscopy, especially those with prior advanced adenomas or higher colorectal cancer risk.
Not a fit: People without colon polyps or those with cancers unrelated to the colon are unlikely to be eligible or receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors identify which polyps are most likely to become cancer and guide more personalized surveillance or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has found links between mutations, DNA methylation changes, tissue aging, and microbiome shifts and colorectal cancer risk, but using these combined measures to predict polyp progression is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRADY, WILLIAM MALLORY — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: GRADY, WILLIAM MALLORY
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.
Conditions: Basic Cancer Research, Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Research Programs, Cancer Research Project