Using blood DNA changes to improve colorectal cancer prevention
Official title: Harnessing DNA methylation in peripheral blood for improved colorectal cancer prevention
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10978829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA from blood samples can help spot people at risk for colorectal cancer before they have any symptoms, with the hope of finding ways to catch it early and prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $700,417 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285851-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for colorectal cancer, particularly those with a family history or lifestyle factors that may contribute to the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or those with no risk factors for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in DNA methylation in blood samples can help identify individuals at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) before symptoms appear. By analyzing blood from a large group of participants over many years, the study aims to uncover specific DNA markers that indicate CRC risk and how lifestyle factors may influence these changes. The goal is to develop a method for early detection and prevention of CRC, potentially allowing for interventions before cancer develops.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using DNA methylation markers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Mingyang — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Song, Mingyang
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.