Understanding how Black ancestry affects colorectal cancer biology
Official title: Disentangling the effect of Black/African Ancestry from confounding variables on colorectal cancer biology
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11070390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how colorectal cancer might be different in people of Black African ancestry compared to those of White European ancestry, hoping to find clues that could lead to better, more personalized treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | April 8, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,245 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA283359-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who self-identify as Black or of African ancestry and have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or of African ancestry may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) between individuals of Black African ancestry and those of White European ancestry. By analyzing a large collection of archived tissue samples, the study aims to identify specific gene expression differences that may contribute to the higher incidence and mortality rates of CRC in Black individuals. The research will utilize advanced bioinformatics and multi-disciplinary approaches to disentangle the effects of ancestry from other confounding factors. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their ancestry influences cancer biology, potentially leading to more tailored treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer in patients of Black ancestry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown significant differences in gene expression related to race in colorectal cancer, indicating that this research builds on established findings but aims to expand the sample size and understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guillaume, Alexandra — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Guillaume, Alexandra
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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.