Reproductive health after early-onset colorectal cancer in young adults
Official title: Physiological and psychosocial aspects of reproductive health after early-onset colorectal cancer
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11336346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows adults aged 18–49 who have had early-onset colorectal cancer to understand how treatments affect fertility, sexual health, and well-being over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $690,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA273318-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 18–49 who have been diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer and are undergoing treatment or under surveillance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the 18–49 age range or those not affected by early-onset colorectal cancer may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Young adults treated for colorectal cancer often face unclear fertility and sexual health outcomes. The researchers will track gonadal function and psychosocial aspects using validated questionnaires and interviews from diagnosis through follow-up visits. By following participants over time, the study aims to map how treatment and survivorship shape reproductive health and daily life. The findings could help clinicians tailor guidance and support for fertility, intimacy, and overall quality of life in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better, more personalized information for survivors about fertility and sexual health after early-onset colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: There is a notable need for prospective data; this study builds on a growing but still limited evidence base for reproductive health after CRC.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holowatyj, Andreana Natalie — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Holowatyj, Andreana Natalie
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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.