Multi-omic liquid biopsy to guide immunotherapy in colorectal and anal cancers
Official title: Multi-omic liquid biopsy assessment in NCI trials: evaluating ctDNA, extravesicle RNA, and outcomes with immunotherapy in patient with colorectal and anal cancers
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11415692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing overview of a study testing blood-based biomarkers (ctDNA and extracellular RNA) to better tailor immunotherapy for colorectal and anal cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $181,640 |
| NIH project number | 5R50CA285403-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with colorectal or anal cancer who participate in related NCI trials or future CTDNA-guided immunotherapy studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for ctDNA-guided procedures or those not receiving immunotherapy in the studied setting may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at blood samples from people with colorectal and anal cancers to see if DNA fragments and RNA in the blood can predict who benefits most from immunotherapy. Researchers will compare different blood tests on the same samples to find the best method for tracking disease and treatment response. The goal is to use these biomarkers to guide treatment decisions in future clinical trials and improve survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more personalized immunotherapy plans based on their blood test results.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise using ctDNA and MRD assessment to guide cancer treatment, though optimal methods are still being refined.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Van K — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Morris, Van K
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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.