NIH-funded research Career grant

Improving genetic testing for colorectal cancer patients

Official title: Piloting an Implementation Strategy for Mainstream Genetic Testing in Colorectal Cancer

Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10948473 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about making it easier for colorectal cancer patients to get genetic testing by helping doctors and nurses who aren't genetic experts learn how to guide patients through the process, so they can make better choices about their treatment and screenings.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$192,433
NIH project number1K08CA293312-01
Project IDNIH-10948473 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer who may benefit from genetic testing.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have colorectal cancer or those who have already undergone genetic testing may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the implementation of genetic testing for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by identifying and addressing barriers that prevent widespread adoption. It focuses on training non-genetic healthcare providers to conduct pre-test counseling and coordinate genetic testing, which could lead to better patient outcomes. By piloting a tailored multi-level implementation strategy, the project seeks to increase the percentage of CRC patients who receive genetic testing, thereby informing their treatment and screening options. The study will involve assessing the perspectives of various healthcare professionals involved in the care of CRC patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rates of genetic testing in colorectal cancer patients, leading to improved treatment and prevention strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mainstream genetic testing can effectively increase testing rates, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hollis, Robert H — University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Study coordinator: Hollis, Robert H

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • 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

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.