Investigating how early exposure to antibiotics may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in young people
Official title: The Role of Early Life Exposure to Antibiotics on Risk of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10947201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving antibiotics to babies and young kids might increase their chances of getting colorectal cancer later in life, and it hopes to find ways to use antibiotics more safely to protect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $372,142 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA281729-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have had significant early life exposure to antibiotics, particularly those under 50 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to antibiotics during early life or those who are over 50 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the potential link between early life exposure to antibiotics and the risk of developing early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). It focuses on how antibiotic use during critical developmental periods, particularly in infants and young children, may alter gut microbiota and contribute to inflammation and cancer risk. The study employs pre-clinical models to explore these connections and aims to identify specific windows of vulnerability during development. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to inform better antibiotic prescribing practices and public health strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for antibiotic use in young children, potentially reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between antibiotic exposure and various health disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cancer risk.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pena, Maria Marjorette — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Pena, Maria Marjorette
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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.