Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention
Research Studies
The following gastrointestinal cancer studies are being run through the Cancer Risk and Prevention Program at Dana-Farber. To read more about eligibility, participation involvement, and study contact information, please click on the "Learn more" link below each study's summary.
Genetics Studies
Dana-Farber hereditary colorectal cancer registry
The purpose of the Dana-Farber hereditary colorectal cancer registry is to investigate the genetic basis of hereditary colon cancer predisposition syndromes, correlate them with the clinical presentations, with the ultimate goal of prevention of cancer in such families. Learn more
IRIS: Impact of Risk Inheritance Study
Project IRIS was created to explore issues involving genetic testing and how it affects the way in which individuals and their families use genetic information in their lives. The study focuses on understanding of cancer risk and cancer screening and prevention practices. Learn more
Prevention Studies
Evaluation of Stool Based Markers for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancers and Adenomas
The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate proteins and genes in the stool, blood, urine and/or tissue that can detect colon cancer as early or earlier than colonoscopy and may indicate the presence or increased risk of developing colon polyps or colon cancer. Learn more
Use of Medications and Supplements to Prevent Colon Cancer
This study examines effects that two medications (Atorvastatin and Sulindac) and a food supplement (Raftilose® Synergy1) may have on decreasing a person's risk for colon cancer. The main purpose of this study is to begin to collect information and to find out if taking one of the three study drugs (Atorvastatin, or Raftilose® Synergy1 or Sulindac) will have good and bad effects on a person's risk for colon cancer. This research study is being done because, currently, there is no drug or food supplement to prevent this type of cancer in people at increased risk. Learn more
Esophageal Cancer Studies
Preliminary longitudinal validation of biomarkers predictive of Barrett's esophagus progression to dysplasia and adenocarinoma
The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge about specific proteins and genes found in the blood, urine and tissue of patients who have been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. By following patients and obtaining samples over time, these proteins and genes may indicate the progression of Barrett's Esophagus to esophageal cancer. Learn more
Preliminary validation of biomarkers predictive of Barrett's esophagus progression to dysplasia and adenocarinoma
The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge about specific proteins and genes found in the blood, urine and tissue of patients who have been diagnosed with either Barrett's esophagus or have esophageal cancer. These proteins and genes may indicate that a person has esophageal cancer or that he or she has a higher risk for developing this cancer. Learn more
Pancreatic Cancer Studies
PAGES: Clinical study for families with multiple cases of pancreatic cancer
The PAncreatic Cancer GEnes Study (PAGES) is an ongoing study at Dana-Farber created to advance pancreatic cancer research. Researchers on this project are particularly interested in identifying susceptibility genes for pancreatic cancer and to learn whether these genes manifest through exposure to cigarette smoking. The result of this study will be the identification of the gene(s) that predispose to pancreatic cancer, which will lead to better screening and prevention methods in the future. Learn more
