Personalized colorectal cancer prevention program
Precision Prevention Research Program
Using personal factors like age, gut bacteria, and molecular markers to guide aspirin use and other prevention steps for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175327 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program combines large population studies, clinical cohorts, and living biobanks to learn who benefits from aspirin and why. Researchers will link medical records with blood, tissue, and stool samples and analyze the gut microbiome and molecular markers. The team aims to define molecular risk groups that predict benefit or harm from aspirin and other prevention strategies. Some work involves collecting new samples at Massachusetts General Hospital and analyzing stored samples from national studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at average or increased risk for colorectal cancer—especially those considering aspirin for prevention or willing to provide blood, stool, or tissue samples—are the most appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People with clear contraindications to aspirin (for example, active bleeding, bleeding disorders, or aspirin allergy) or whose health issues are unrelated to colorectal cancer may not gain direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help doctors tailor aspirin and other prevention to people who will benefit while avoiding harm in those at higher bleeding risk.
How similar studies have performed: Large trials and guideline panels have shown aspirin can lower colorectal cancer risk in some people, but using molecular markers and the microbiome to personalize prevention is a newer and less-proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Andrew T — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chan, Andrew T
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 below.