NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how immune responses affect colorectal cancer outcomes in African Americans

Official title: Defining the role of tumoral MHC Class I Expression in Mediating Colorectal Cancer Racial Disparities

Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10894892 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into why African American patients are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than White patients, focusing on how the immune system responds in these cases, with the hope of finding better treatments that work for everyone.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$597,046
NIH project number5R01CA264525-02
Project IDNIH-10894892 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not African American or do not have colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding why African American patients experience higher mortality rates from colorectal cancer compared to White patients. It examines the role of immune responses, particularly the expression of MHC class I molecules in tumors, which are crucial for T cell activation. By analyzing tumor samples and immune cell interactions, the study aims to identify mechanisms that contribute to these disparities and develop better biomarkers and therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments tailored to their specific immune profiles.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that reduce colorectal cancer disparities among African American patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that understanding immune mechanisms can significantly impact cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Ohio State University
    Columbus, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rubinstein, Mark P — Ohio State University
  • Study coordinator: Rubinstein, Mark P

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.