Understanding why racial differences exist in stomach cancer in the US
Official title: Delineating the underlying reasons for the racial disparity in gastric cancer incidence in the United States
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11535300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies why some racial groups in the US have higher stomach cancer rates, focusing on how Helicobacter pylori infection and host responses contribute to these differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $12,604 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA267842-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals from US populations with higher gastric cancer incidence or documented disparities who have or are at risk for H. pylori infection may be eligible for related studies or screenings.
✕Less likely to help
People without risk factors or without access to preventive care in high-risk communities may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Gastric cancer is a deadly disease that often goes unnoticed until late stages. This research looks at why incidence varies among US populations, exploring factors like H. pylori infection rates and how individuals respond to the infection. The study will analyze biological and epidemiological data to identify contributors to disparities and inform targeted prevention efforts. Findings could guide personalized screening and prevention strategies to reduce stomach cancer risk in higher-risk groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to targeted prevention and earlier detection strategies for populations at higher risk of gastric cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work underscores H. pylori as a major risk factor, with disparities in incidence suggesting host and environmental factors also play roles; the specific disparity mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Epplein, Meira — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Epplein, Meira
Related research
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A research project aims to understand what triggers the transformation of stomach cells into cancer in people with diffuse gastric cancer, especially those with hereditary risk.
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.