Understanding and reversing factors that lead to early-onset colorectal cancer
Official title: PROSPECT-Global Consortium and Risk Factor Discovery
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11047262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why more people under 50 are getting colorectal cancer, and it aims to find ways to prevent it by understanding the biological and environmental factors involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $787,947 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297576-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 50 years old who are at risk for colorectal cancer or have a family history of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of 50 or those without risk factors for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex factors that contribute to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 years old. By collaborating with experts across various fields, the project aims to identify biological and environmental influences that disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to cancer. The team will utilize advanced animal models and study specific precursors, such as adenomatous polyps, to develop effective prevention strategies. The goal is to translate these findings into actionable steps that can help reduce the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for colorectal cancer in younger individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding risk factors for colorectal cancer, but this approach is innovative in its focus on early-onset cases.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Yin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Yin
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.