How immune cells in colon tumors and genetic ancestry affect colorectal cancer outcomes
Variation in tumor-associated immune profiles and colorectal cancer outcomes
This project looks at how immune cells inside colon tumors and a person's genetic ancestry relate to cancer outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143639 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will use your tumor tissue and medical records to measure immune cell types and levels in your colorectal tumor using DNA and protein tests. They will combine those lab results with genetic ancestry data to see whether ancestry relates to different immune patterns in tumors. The team will compare these immune profiles to treatment responses and survival across diverse patient groups. The goal is to explain why outcomes and responses to immunotherapy differ between groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with colorectal cancer who can share tumor tissue and medical records, especially those from underrepresented ancestral backgrounds.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer, without available tumor tissue, or unable to share medical records are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could help tailor immunotherapy and follow-up care based on a patient’s tumor immune profile and ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict colorectal cancer outcomes, but linking these immune patterns to genetic ancestry is a newer approach with limited prior data.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmit, Stephanie L. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Schmit, Stephanie L.
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.