Personalized colonoscopy schedule for people with Lynch syndrome
Official title: Optimal Colorectal Cancer Surveillance Strategy for Lynch Syndrome by Genotype
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11167473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to find colonoscopy schedules matched to each Lynch syndrome gene so people can avoid extra procedures while still preventing colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $372,279 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257333-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a confirmed Lynch syndrome pathogenic variant (for example MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM) who are receiving or planning colorectal surveillance are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without a confirmed Lynch syndrome gene or those with complex prior colorectal cancer history or other medical reasons requiring individualized follow-up may not benefit from generalized genotype-based schedules.
What this research studies
You would hear how colorectal cancer risk differs depending on which Lynch syndrome gene you carry and see screening plans that reflect that risk. Researchers will combine medical records, cancer outcomes, and genetic information to model lifetime cancer risk and how often colonoscopies would be needed. They will compare harms and benefits like cancer cases prevented, deaths avoided, and the number of colonoscopies people would undergo. The goal is to suggest less frequent checks for lower-risk genes and focused surveillance for higher-risk genes so care is safer and easier to live with.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the number of lifetime colonoscopies for many people with Lynch syndrome while maintaining strong protection against colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has documented different colorectal cancer risks by Lynch gene and modeling work supports genotype-tailored screening, but large prospective trials of personalized schedules are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hur, Chin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hur, Chin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized, Noninvasive Surveillance for Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer
This project tests a noninvasive fecal test (FIT) alongside colonoscopy to tailor colorectal cancer surveillance for people with Lynch syndrome.
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Personalized colorectal cancer screening for people with Lynch syndrome
This project aims to find the best colonoscopy schedule for people with Lynch syndrome based on their specific gene.
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Stool blood testing (FIT) to guide colonoscopy checks for people with Lynch syndrome
This project will test whether a simple stool blood test (FIT) can be used alongside colonoscopies to make cancer screening easier and more personalized for adults with Lynch syndrome.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening for people with Lynch syndrome
This study is looking at how to improve cancer check-ups for people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that raises the risk of colorectal cancer, so they can catch it early and have better outcomes, especially focusing on making sure everyone, including Black individuals who are diagnosed younger, gets the screen
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Improving colorectal cancer screening for people with Lynch Syndrome
This study is looking to improve colorectal cancer screening for people with Lynch Syndrome by creating personalized recommendations based on their unique genetic makeup, so they can get the right care without unnecessary procedures.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening for Lynch syndrome patients using noninvasive tests
This study is looking at how we can make regular check-ups for colorectal cancer easier and more comfortable for people with Lynch syndrome by using simple tests like the FIT along with regular colonoscopies, to see if this combination works well and is accepted by patients.
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.