NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how tumor environments affect colorectal cancer disparities among different racial and ethnic groups

Official title: Transcriptome and spatial analyses of tumor environment in addressing colorectal cancer racial and ethnical disparities

Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10907799 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at why some racial and ethnic groups, especially African Americans and Alaska Natives, have worse outcomes with colorectal cancer, and it aims to find out how certain biological factors in their tumors might play a role, so we can better understand and address these differences.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$48,974
NIH project number5F99CA284261-02
Project IDNIH-10907799 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include African American and Alaska Native individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients from racial and ethnic groups not represented in the study may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the differences in colorectal cancer outcomes among various racial and ethnic groups, particularly focusing on African American and Alaska Native populations. It aims to uncover the molecular and cellular factors that contribute to higher mortality rates in these groups, beyond just access to healthcare. By utilizing advanced techniques like spatial single-cell analyses, the study will explore the immune context within tumors to gain insights into how these factors influence cancer progression. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance our understanding of colorectal cancer and its disparities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for colorectal cancer patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding tumor microenvironments can significantly impact cancer treatment strategies, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Washington
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yin, Hang — University of Washington
  • Study coordinator: Yin, Hang

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.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • 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.

    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.