Why some racial and ethnic groups have higher stomach cancer rates
Delineating the underlying reasons for the racial disparity in gastric cancer incidence in the United States
Researchers are working to understand why stomach (gastric) cancer is more common in certain racial and ethnic groups in the United States and whether infections like Helicobacter pylori and other factors explain 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 ID | NIH-11166448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares rates of H. pylori infection, immune responses, and stomach tissue changes across different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. The team will use medical records, lab tests (including antibody assays), and biological samples to look for bacterial, immune, and tissue-level differences that could explain risk. They will also examine related factors such as body mass index and antibiotic exposure that might influence infection or progression to atrophic gastritis. The aim is to find patterns that point to preventable causes and targets for better screening or treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults from racial or ethnic groups with higher gastric cancer rates in the U.S., especially those with a history of H. pylori infection, chronic stomach symptoms, or diagnosed atrophic gastritis.
Not a fit: People without H. pylori infection, without stomach disease or symptoms, children, or individuals outside the studied populations may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help target H. pylori testing, treatment, and screening to groups at higher risk and reduce preventable stomach cancer deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show that eradication of H. pylori reduces gastric cancer risk, but few studies have directly explained persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the United States, so this work addresses a notable gap.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Epplein, Meira — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Epplein, Meira
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.