Improving cancer screening for Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the screening and surveillance methods for Veterans suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Currently, the VA uses a standard approach for over 90,000 patients, which may not be suitable for everyone due to the varying levels of individual risk. The project will investigate genetic factors and cellular changes to determine the best times for screening, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures. By utilizing advanced computational tools, the research seeks to create more personalized and effective screening strategies.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• VA San Diego Healthcare System
  San Diego, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Curtius, Kathleen M. — VA San Diego Healthcare System
• Study coordinator: Curtius, Kathleen M.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• How immune cells and Th17 inflammation drive colitis-related colon cancer

  This project looks at how certain immune cells and ongoing gut inflammation help cause colon cancer in people with long-term colitis.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11263745

• Gut bacteria and colorectal cancer risk in people with ulcerative colitis

  Researchers are looking at whether certain gut bacteria help protect against or promote colorectal cancer in people who have ulcerative colitis.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11241980

• Understanding how inflammation contributes to colorectal cancer development

  This study is looking at how long-lasting inflammation in the intestines might lead to colorectal cancer, and it's for people who want to understand more about the disease and how to improve treatments by exploring the immune system's role in tumor growth.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11231961

• Best ages for colonoscopy to catch colorectal cancer in people with colitis

  This project uses math, genetic information, and tissue data to find the right ages for colonoscopies so people with inflammatory bowel disease can catch colorectal cancer earlier while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

  NIH research VA San Diego Healthcare System · San Diego, United States · NIH-11130910

• Understanding how gut bacteria influence colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis

  This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer if you have ulcerative colitis, and it aims to find out which types of bacteria could help protect you or possibly increase that risk.

  NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11007262

• Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

  This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

  NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

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.