# Diet After Colorectal Cancer : Observational Studies to Behavioral Interventions

> **NIH NIH K07** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $177,012

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
This K07 proposal will provide me with the experience that I need to become a leading independent
investigator of diet and cancer survival. My objective is to elucidate the role of diet after cancer diagnosis and
develop interventions to improve cancer survivorship care. I have a solid foundation in nutrition and cancer
epidemiology. My proposed 5-year training plan builds on this foundation and provides me with training in: 1)
randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and management; 3) the biology, clinical management, and
epidemiology of CRC; and 3) the use of mobile technology in lifestyle interventions. My proposed research will
provide me with practical knowledge, skills, and experience in these areas, and fill important gaps in the
scientific literature regarding the role of diet after CRC diagnosis.
Over one million Americans are living with a diagnosis of CRC. While limited, data suggest that diet after CRC
diagnosis impacts survival. Among stage III CRC survivors, a western dietary pattern was associated with a 3-
fold increased risk of CRC recurrence or death. Based on this evidence of harm from a Western diet, there is a
need for dietary interventions for CRC survivors. No study has pilot tested an intervention using mobile
technology to improve diet after CRC. Thus, in Aim 1, I will conduct a pilot RCT to determine the feasibility and
acceptability of a diet intervention targeted at reducing intake of a Western diet using mobile technology among
CRC survivors. The intervention will target reduced intake of red and processed meat, alcohol, and sugar
sweetened beverages and increased intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The results of this aim will
provide preliminary data for an R01 application to conduct a definitive RCT testing the impact of improving diet
on biological and clinical endpoints in CRC survivors. In addition, preclinical studies suggest that vegetable
fats, which are not a characteristic of a Western diet, inhibit CRC progression. No prior study has examined
vegetable fat intake after CRC diagnosis and survival in humans. In Aim 2, I will use data from two RCTs of
adjuvant chemotherapy among 2,372 CRC patients to determine whether consumption of vegetable fats after
CRC diagnosis is associated with lower risk of CRC-specific and overall survival. I will apply the results of
these analyses to refine the dietary intervention before moving forward to a large-scale RCT in my future work.
My training and research plan incorporates coursework, mentoring, group meetings, seminars, journal clubs,
conferences, and practical experience in a leading academic institution, the University of California, San
Francisco. My research plan fits well in the program of my primary mentor, Dr. Alan Venook, who will oversee
my training, research, and career development. I have assembled a strong mentoring team with expertise in
RCTs, gastrointestinal oncology, the use of mobile technology in lifestyle inte...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9963150
- **Project number:** 5K07CA197077-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Erin Lynn Van Blarigan
- **Activity code:** K07 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $177,012
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-01 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9963150

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9963150, Diet After Colorectal Cancer : Observational Studies to Behavioral Interventions (5K07CA197077-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9963150. Licensed CC0.

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