Why some early colon polyps progress to cancer
Features of the early adenoma and adjacent colon that drive progression: the role of mutation burden in normal tissue, senescent cells, and tumor clonal architecture
This project looks at how genetic mutations, aging (senescent) cells, and interactions among small tumor cell groups may make early colon polyps more likely to become colorectal cancer, aiming to find signs that could identify people at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers recreate colons in mice that already contain small mutant cell patches or are overloaded with senescent (aging) cells, then follow how early adenomas (polyps) form and progress. They will measure mutation burden, map how different tumor cell clones mix and interact, and study responses in the surrounding normal colon. Modern molecular and genomic tools will be used to find detectable features of a 'primed' colon. If reliable signals are found, those features could be developed into tests to guide more frequent surveillance or preventive treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of colorectal adenomas, known APC mutations (such as familial adenomatous polyposis), or other strong risk factors for colorectal cancer would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer are unlikely to benefit directly because the project focuses on early adenoma progression and prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer so they can receive closer surveillance or preventive treatments to stop cancers before they form.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked senescent cells and mutant cell clones to tumor growth, so parts of this approach build on promising preclinical evidence though translating it to human screening is still new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halberg, Richard Brott — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Halberg, Richard Brott
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.