NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding early-onset colorectal cancer in Hispanics

Official title: Epidemiologic and germline genomic characterization of early-onset colorectal cancer among Hispanics

Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-10931332 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into why more young Hispanic people, especially in Puerto Rico, are getting colorectal cancer, and it wants to find out how things like genetics and lifestyle might play a role, so if you're interested in helping us understand this better, you might be asked to share some health information and genetic samples.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Juan, United States)
Project startSeptember 19, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$287,949
NIH project number5P20GM148324-02
Project IDNIH-10931332 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation are Hispanic individuals under the age of 50 who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or have a family history of the disease.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not of Hispanic descent or those diagnosed with colorectal cancer after the age of 50 may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) among Hispanic populations, particularly in Puerto Rico. It aims to identify the sociodemographic and epidemiological trends associated with this condition, as well as the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to develop CRC before the age of 50. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to uncover the underlying causes of health disparities in CRC incidence and survival among different Hispanic subgroups. Patients may be involved in providing genetic samples and health data to help advance this important work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and targeted interventions for early-onset colorectal cancer in Hispanic populations.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on colorectal cancer disparities, this specific focus on early-onset CRC among Hispanics is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
    San Juan, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Pons, Maria — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Pons, Maria

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

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    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.