Research investments in colorectal cancer treatments
Identifying new treatments and improved therapies
Thanks to our generous supporters and the work of researchers all over the world, more survivors are beating colorectal cancer than ever before. However, we still have a long way to go. We need breakthroughs for advanced colorectal cancer and less toxic and more effective cancer treatments. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance Chris4Life Research Program awards grants to support researchers finding new treatments.
Funded research grants
From our research library
Progress reports, publications, presentations, and more based on our recent work in colorectal cancer research.
White Paper: State of the Science in Colorectal Cancer
This report documents the purpose, participants, and process underlying the 2021 research investment strategy planning and the strategic focus areas that developed therefrom.
2021 State of the Science Meeting Summary
This meeting report summarizes the 2021 State of the Science Summit event. The results from the summit, along with other inputs, will be used to inform scientific objectives and key funding strategies for the Alliance to establish the largest return on a $30 million research investment over the next 5 years.
Explore our colorectal cancer research areas
Click on a research focus to see how we're using our research funds to accelerate treatment, prevention, and a cure.
Young-onset colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50, and no one knows why. We invest in research that aims to understand more about colorectal cancer in young people and how to prevent it.
Health disparities
Colorectal cancer rates vary among racial groups, age, and socioeconomic status. We support research that helps us understand why and how to improve early detection and treatment among diverse populations.
Rectal cancer
Nearly 50,000 people with be diagnosed with rectal cancer this year. We awards grants to encourage research in rectal cancer and to establish a successful career path in this field.
Prevention
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable. We support researchers studying what motivates people to get screened earlier and detect or prevent this unique cancer.
Treatments
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable. We support researchers studying what motivates people to get screened earlier and detect or prevent this unique cancer.
Early investigator grants
There is a tremendous unmet need for advancements in screening, treating, and caring for people with colorectal cancer. To foster innovation, we support the training of colorectal cancer researchers.
Support colorectal cancer research
Help make lifesaving research possible. Your gift will be earmarked for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Chris4Life Research Program.
Up Next
Early Investigator GrantsTop resources
FDA Clears Way for Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Christopher Lieu
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus permission to begin a clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy for people with advanced colorectal cancer who have already tried the standard treatments without lasting success.
Alliance and GCAR Announce Collaboration to Advance a Groundbreaking Adaptive Clinical Trial Platform for CRC: KLEOS
A first-of-its-kind trial platform in the colorectal cancer space, Project Cure CRC’s KLEOS is being driven by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease, in collaboration with GCAR, a pioneer in the design and implementation of innovative clinical trials.
Alliance Presents Poster Sessions & Speaks at Symposium During AACR Annual Meeting
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance will present three poster sessions and deliver an oral presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026.