Improving colorectal cancer screening using advanced imaging technology
Official title: Colorectal Cancer Screening with Optical Coherence Tomography
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10979884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to make colorectal cancer screenings better by helping doctors see hard-to-reach areas in the colon, which could lead to more accurate polyp detection and a more comfortable, less invasive experience for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $710,880 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA280972-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing routine colorectal cancer screening, particularly those at higher risk for adenomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or those who are not eligible for screening may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing colorectal cancer screening by utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT), a cutting-edge imaging technology. The goal is to develop a system that allows for better visualization of the entire colon, including areas that are typically hard to see, such as behind mucosal folds. By improving the sensitivity and accuracy of polyp detection, this approach aims to reduce the number of missed adenomas and the associated costs of traditional colonoscopy procedures. Patients may benefit from a less invasive screening method that does not require sedation and can provide real-time diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and cost-effective colorectal cancer screenings, ultimately reducing cancer incidence and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging technologies for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in colorectal cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tearney, Guillermo J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tearney, Guillermo J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Making colorectal cancer screening easier and more likely to happen
This project uses default options, simpler choices, and direct outreach to help average-risk adults who are overdue complete colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy or stool tests.
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Bringing colorectal cancer screening to adults 45–54 who haven’t been screened
A grant to help low-income adults aged 45–54 start colorectal cancer screening through the Boston area’s community health centers.
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Increasing follow-up colonoscopies after a positive FIT in community clinics
Aims to help people with abnormal stool tests for colorectal cancer get timely follow-up colonoscopies in safety-net clinics.
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Colorectal cancer screening with real-time imaging that may replace sedated scopes
Researchers are testing a new imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to spot and treat colon polyps without the need for sedation during a screening colonoscopy.
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.