Why some early colon polyps turn into cancer
Understanding adenoma progression: Interplay among tissue microenvironment, clonal architecture, and gut microbiome
Researchers are exploring how early colon polyps, the surrounding colon tissue, and gut bacteria work together to explain why some polyps in people progress toward colorectal cancer.
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-11210757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on early colon polyps (adenomas) and nearby normal-colon tissue to find biological features that make some people’s colons more likely to let polyps progress. Investigators will compare the genetic/clonal changes inside polyps, patterns of DNA methylation and tissue aging in nearby normal colon, and differences in the gut microbiome. The team will analyze patient tissue and sample data to define “primed colons” that show combinations of changes linked to higher progression risk. By integrating these data, researchers aim to identify distinct pathways that drive progression in different patient groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people undergoing colonoscopy who have colon adenomas or a history of advanced adenomas and who can provide tissue or stool samples for analysis.
Not a fit: People without colon polyps or with cancers unrelated to colorectal biology are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help identify which patients with colon polyps are at higher risk so they can get closer monitoring or targeted prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked mutations, DNA methylation changes, and gut microbiome shifts to colorectal cancer risk, but combining these features to predict which adenomas will progress is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grady, William Mallory — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Grady, William Mallory
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.