Federal Grant Award Summary

Duke University received a $415,257 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395), awarded on April 24, 2026, with a completion date of March 31, 2028. The grant supports research to identify and characterize minimal residual disease (MRD)—cancer cells present in the bloodstream after colorectal cancer resection that are resistant to standard-of-care therapies. Using novel droplet-based microfluidics technology to generate microorganospheres, the research team will isolate cancer cells from portal venous blood collected during primary tumor resection and determine whether therapy-resistant cells are more likely to metastasize and cause recurrence.

The project deliverables include characterization of cancer cells representing MRD through laboratory analysis and a high-throughput drug screening initiative on resistant clones to identify alternative therapies capable of preventing recurrence. Findings from this research are expected to improve understanding of tumor biology driving recurrence and metastasis, ultimately supporting the development of adjuvant clinical trials designed to enhance treatment outcomes and cure rates following primary colorectal cancer resection. The work will be conducted at Duke University's Durham, North Carolina facility under the Office of Research Administration Division.