Understanding how genetics and ancestry affect colorectal cancer outcomes
Official title: Elucidating the role of transcriptomics in driving ethnicity and ancestry-related disparities in colorectal cancer
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11064035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why people from different ethnic backgrounds have different experiences with colorectal cancer, especially how genes and the immune system affect treatment responses, so we can find better ways to help everyone, particularly African American patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284732-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include colorectal cancer patients from minority ethnic groups, particularly African Americans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who do not belong to minority ethnic groups may not directly benefit from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes among different ethnic groups, focusing on how genetic factors and RNA splicing contribute to these differences. By analyzing tumor samples and patient data, the study aims to identify unique molecular targets that could lead to more effective precision medicine interventions. The research also explores the role of the immune system in response to treatments like immunotherapy, particularly in African American patients who may respond differently than others. Overall, the goal is to enhance treatment options and improve outcomes for underrepresented populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for colorectal cancer patients from diverse backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer disparities through genetic and immunological approaches, indicating that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Figueiredo, Jane C. — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Figueiredo, Jane C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.