Research Studies
FACES: Families Affected with Colon and Endometrial cancers (Enrolling)
This research is to investigate the genetic basis of hereditary colon cancer predisposition syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, and correlate them with the clinical presentations, with the ultimate goal of prevention of cancer in such families. This is an ongoing registry, which we will continue to study for an indefinite period of time, since new genes and risk factors may be identified in the coming years. As a patient enrolled in this study, you will be asked to provide information about medical history and family history of cancer, as well as allow us to obtain a blood sample. However, once enrolled in the study, you will not need to do anything further to continue to participate.
Lynch Syndrome Center Registry (Enrolling)
The Lynch Syndrome Center Registry is enrolling patients with known or suspected Lynch syndrome in a research study that collects clinical information and samples to help researchers learn more about Lynch syndrome, with the goal of developing strategies that can improve prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.
Clinical Trials
CAPS5: Cancer of the Pancreas Screening-5 (Enrolling)
This research is to see if we can find out if someone has pancreatic cancer before they show signs or symptoms of the disease. We want to find better tests for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic abnormalities that later develop into pancreatic cancer by looking for biomarkers (proteins or genes) in blood, saliva, and pancreatic tissue. We are investigating the short- and long-term benefits of these tests in people coming in for pancreatic evaluation including pancreatic screening. People who are scheduled to have an EUS, MRI and/or MRCP to screen for pancreatic cancer may be eligible to join the study. These procedures should be performed as part of your standard of care and will be paid for by your insurance. The sample collections of blood, saliva, and pancreas tissue are not part of your standard of care treatment, and will only be collected at no cost to you and with your consent.
IMPACT: Identification of Men with a Genetic Predisposition to Prostate Cancer: Targeted Screening in Men at Higher Genetic Risk and Controls (Not enrolling)
This research is to help us better understand whether Lynch syndrome creates an increased risk for prostate cancer. We currently do not know whether men with mutations in MMR genes (MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6) have an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Our hope is that by conducting this study, we will gain a better understanding of the link between Lynch syndrome and prostate cancer, allowing patients with Lynch syndrome to adopt early screening and prevention strategies. You will be asked to provide an annual donation of blood and urine samples, as well as complete an annual medical history survey.
More Information
Contact Chinedu Ukaegbu, MBBS, MPH, at chinedu_ukaegbu@dfci.harvard.edu for questions about our research.