Understanding and reversing factors that lead to early-onset colorectal cancer
Official title: PROSPECT - Stem cell models
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11046957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why more people under 50 are getting colorectal cancer, using special lab models and animal research to understand how different factors might lead to this, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,307 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297570-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 50 years old who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of 50 or those with other unrelated cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the complex factors that contribute to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 years old. By utilizing advanced stem cell models and animal studies, the team will investigate how various biological and environmental influences affect cancer development. The project focuses on identifying mechanisms that link lifetime exposures to cancer initiation, particularly through the study of adenomatous polyps, which are precursors to colorectal cancer. The goal is to develop effective prevention strategies based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention methods for early-onset colorectal cancer, potentially saving lives and improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding early-onset cancers through similar transdisciplinary approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yilmaz, Omer — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Yilmaz, Omer
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.