Screening strategies to find anal cancer precursors in high-risk people
Official title: Screening Strategies Among High-Risk Populations for Anal Cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11415125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study markers from DNA methylation and immune signals to better identify people at risk for anal cancer before it develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,987,559 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA285198-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at high risk for anal cancer, such as those with persistent hrHPV infection or immune system impairment.
✕Less likely to help
People without high-risk factors or those not experiencing aHSIL may not directly benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
If you are at high risk for anal cancer, this study will look for biological markers in tissue and immune signals that could indicate a precancerous state (aHSIL). The team plans a large, multisite effort to collect and analyze samples, focusing on how DNA methylation and the immune environment relate to cancer risk and progression. They will also explore environmental factors that might influence the presence or clearance of aHSIL. The goal is to improve early detection so that people can get timely treatment before cancer develops.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to better screening tools that catch precancerous changes earlier and reduce anal cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that methylation and immune profiles can reflect cancer risk, but this study aims to validate and expand these markers in diverse high-risk populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flowers, Lisa C. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Flowers, Lisa C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV+ MSM through screening and treatment of HSIL
This project tests a streamlined plan to prevent anal cancer in people living with HIV by screening for HSIL and treating it at clinics serving MSM.
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Preventing anal cancer in people living with HIV
A topical form of HIV protease inhibitors is being tried to clear precancerous anal changes in people living with HIV.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM through HSIL screening and treatment
This project tests a proven HSIL screening-and-treatment approach to prevent anal cancer in men living with HIV, using Ghana/Nigeria-based sites to learn how to implement it broadly.
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Better screening for anal cancer in people at higher risk
This project looks for biological and immune signals that could spot early precancerous changes in people at high risk for anal cancer.
-
Screen-and-treat program to prevent anal cancer in people with HIV
This project offers regular anal screening and treatment to men who have sex with men living with HIV to lower their risk of anal cancer.
-
Anal cancer screening for people with HIV using genomic methods
A patient-centered screening approach using a genomic test to detect anal precancers in people with HIV, aiming to catch disease earlier and reduce unnecessary procedures.
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.