Understanding how obesity increases the risk of digestive cancers

Decoding mechanisms underlying metabolic dysregulation in obesity and digestive cancer risk

['FUNDING_U01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10911188

This study is looking at how being overweight might increase the chances of getting colorectal and liver cancers, especially by exploring how certain types of fat and inflammation in the body play a role, and it invites patients to help by sharing blood samples to better understand these connections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10911188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between obesity and the risk of developing colorectal and liver cancers. It focuses on understanding how visceral fat and metabolic dysregulation contribute to cancer risk, particularly through inflammatory processes. By identifying specific inflammatory markers associated with metabolically unhealthy obesity, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to effective prevention strategies. Patients may be involved in providing blood samples and other biological data to help characterize these relationships.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adults over 21 years old who are classified as obese and may be at risk for colorectal or liver cancers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or do not have a risk of digestive cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for colorectal and liver cancers in individuals with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding obesity-related cancer risks, but this specific approach focusing on inflammatory markers in metabolically unhealthy obesity is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.