Validating blood and stool tests to find colon cancer earlier
Great Lakes New England Clinical Validation Center
Trying out blood and stool tests to help spot colorectal cancer earlier and encourage more people to complete screening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a collaborative effort that collects and stores stool, blood (serum and plasma), urine, tissue, and DNA samples from people across consortium sites. Researchers use these samples to refine and validate panels of biomarkers measured in blood and stool that aim to distinguish people without neoplasia from those with precancerous lesions or cancer. The center also supports discovery work across the Early Detection Research Network to find new markers and improve noninvasive tests that may be easier to use than colonoscopy. A major focus is on tests that boost screening adherence for both average-risk and higher-risk adults, including younger adults facing rising colorectal cancer rates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults eligible for colorectal screening—both average-risk and higher-risk people—who can provide stool and blood samples and attend study visits at participating centers.
Not a fit: People with cancers unrelated to the colon, those already receiving treatment for advanced disease, or those unable or unwilling to provide samples or attend participating sites may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to easier blood or stool tests that detect colorectal cancer earlier and increase screening rates, potentially reducing deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches such as FIT, multi-target stool DNA tests, and some blood biomarker panels have shown promise in improving detection, but many biomarker panels still require validation before routine use.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ricciardiello, Luigi — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ricciardiello, Luigi
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 below.