Investigating how the microbiome affects colorectal cancer outcomes in different racial and ethnic groups
Official title: Project 1: Racial and ethnic differences in the intra-tumoral microbiome: Impact on colorectal cancer mortality and clinicopathologic correlates
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10935388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria inside colorectal tumors might affect survival rates in African Americans with colorectal cancer, and it aims to create better screening methods to help identify people at higher risk, even if they don’t have a family history of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $439,192 |
| NIH project number | 1P50CA285275-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals at risk for colorectal cancer, especially those without a family history of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those with a strong family history of colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the differences in the intra-tumoral microbiome and how these differences impact colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, particularly among African American individuals. The study aims to develop new precision screening strategies that go beyond family history, using polygenic risk scores to identify individuals at higher risk for CRC. By analyzing genetic and functional genomic data, the research seeks to create tailored prevention and screening interventions for those who may not currently be recognized as high-risk. This approach aims to address the disparities in CRC outcomes among racial and ethnic minority groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and prevention strategies for colorectal cancer, particularly benefiting African American patients who are disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using polygenic risk scores and functional genomic data to improve cancer risk prediction, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Ulrike — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Peters, Ulrike
Related research
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Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care
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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.