Optical nanoscale chromatin test to guide colon cancer screening
Official title: Optical hyperspectral nanoscale chromatin analysis for colon cancer risk-stratification
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11318966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, affordable test using AI-enhanced light to spot dangerous changes in cell DNA from a simple sample, helping doctors decide who should get a colonoscopy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289294-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11318966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at average or elevated risk for colorectal cancer who could benefit from a primary-care screening alternative to universal colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
People with conditions that are not related to colorectal cancer risk or whose samples cannot be analyzed by the new technology may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a low-cost screening test that can be used in primary care to identify people who are at high risk for advanced adenomas and should undergo colonoscopy. It combines nanoscale patterns of chromatin, an etiologic biomarker for colorectal cancer, with AI-enhanced optical sensing to detect subtle changes that current tests miss. The team will develop the technology, validate its accuracy, and plan how it could be used in real-world clinics. If successful, this could reduce unnecessary procedures while catching high-risk patients earlier.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help more people get timely colonoscopies and potentially lower colorectal cancer deaths by targeting screening where it matters most.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest feasibility, with prior work indicating nanoscale chromatin changes can reflect cancer risk, but full clinical validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Backman, Vadim — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Backman, Vadim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Colon Cancer Family Registry Cohort study for smarter prevention and care
A large international group is following thousands of people with colorectal cancer and their relatives to better understand risk, causes, and outcomes so future patients can get better guidance and treatment.
-
Bioengineered Networking Microbes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy
A project tests a engineered bacteria-based therapy designed to target colon tumors and boost the body’s immune response in people with colon cancer.
-
How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
-
Adaptive aerobic exercise plans during chemotherapy for colon cancer
This study tests personalized aerobic exercise during chemotherapy for people with colon cancer to help them stay on their planned treatment schedule and reduce side effects.
-
Immune regulation in colon cancer and its spread to lymph nodes and liver
A patient-friendly look at how immune system circuits in colorectal cancer and its metastases may influence treatment responses and outcomes.
-
Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.