Random colon biopsies during surveillance for inflammatory bowel disease
Utility of Random Biopsies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11122241
This project compares routine random tissue samples versus only targeted biopsies during surveillance colonoscopies in people with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease to find more precancerous changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11122241 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join this work if you have long-standing inflammatory bowel disease and are due for a surveillance colonoscopy. During the procedure, doctors will use high-definition colonoscopy and either take routine random biopsies every 10 cm in addition to sampling any visible lesions, or take only biopsies of visible lesions. The project compares how often each approach detects precancerous dysplasia that can lead to colorectal cancer. The aim is to clarify whether random biopsies add benefit beyond careful inspection and targeted sampling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis) who are undergoing routine surveillance colonoscopy are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without IBD, those not scheduled for surveillance colonoscopy, or patients who have had colectomy are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could make surveillance colonoscopies more effective or less invasive by clarifying whether routine random biopsies are needed to detect precancerous changes.
How similar studies have performed: A small prior randomized trial suggested targeted biopsies may detect dysplasia as well or better than random biopsies, but evidence is limited and results have been mixed, so this work seeks to resolve that uncertainty.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEWIS, JAMES D — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: LEWIS, JAMES D
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.