Funded Research Grants
Supporting Innovative Research
The Alliance’s mission is to end colorectal cancer in our lifetime. By supporting innovative colorectal cancer research by top doctors and scientists, we take important steps toward realizing our vision — a world free of this disease.
Click on a type of research below to see who is using our funding to accelerate treatment, prevention, and a cure.
Research Focus: Health Disparities
Dr. Kishore Guda, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Study Description: Dr. Kishore Guda aims to characterize the molecular profiles of colorectal cancers in African American versus European American patients. Using relevant cancer cell patient samples along with mouse models in the laboratory, the team will discover and validate biologic mechanisms likely contributing to colorectal cancer health disparities. Importantly, the study is designed to decode the role of tumor biology as well as socio-demographic factors that jointly contribute to racial disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes. Overall, their studies will inform the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies with the overarching goal of improving health equity in colorectal cancer.
Francisco Sanchez-Vega, PhD - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Study Description: Dr. Sanchez-Vega will investigate whether the higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality of non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients vs. non-Hispanic White patients is driven by differences in cancer biology, socioeconomic conditions, or other factors. His team will establish a unique biorepository of patient-derived organoid (PDO) models from NHB CRC patients. Existing CRC organoid biobanks have not included race, so there are not any well-characterized PDO models derived from NHB patients. New models will enable real-time validation of genomic predictions, testing of therapeutic options, and clarification of race-specific mechanisms of tumor progression and therapy resistance. The ultimate goal is to identify opportunities to intervene and improve outcomes in the NHB population.
2022 Chris4Life Colorectal Cancer Alliance Early Career Investigator Award