Tumor and immune features of colorectal cancer in Alaska Native people

Deep molecular and cellular profiling of colorectal cancer tumor and immune microenvironment in Alaska Native people

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11360680

This project will look closely at tumors and immune cells from Alaska Native people with colorectal cancer to find molecular patterns linked to worse outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11360680 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I join, the team will collect tumor samples and health information from about 500 Alaska Native patients with colorectal cancer. They will use genetic, transcriptional, and cellular tests to map mutations and the immune cells around tumors. The researchers will link those molecular patterns to who survives or dies from colorectal cancer to look for features tied to higher risk. The work is done in partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to include patients across Alaska.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Alaska Native adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer who can provide tumor tissue and clinical records would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer, those who cannot provide tumor samples or medical data, or non-Alaska Native individuals are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal tumor or immune markers that help explain high colorectal cancer deaths in Alaska Native people and point toward better prognosis tools or future targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Molecular profiling has produced useful biomarkers in other populations, but applying comprehensive tumor and immune profiling specifically to Alaska Native patients at this scale is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.