Solve JPS & Polyposis Foundation

10/13/2025

What an incredible two days!

Last October 4-5, we kicked off our first Solve JPS Jamboree, in partnership with the Stanford Snyder Lab, at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

This event brought together patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and advocates for two powerful days of learning, connection, and collaboration. The energy in the room was inspiring - every story shared and every discussion held moved us closer to understanding and treating Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS).

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated - especially the patients and families who make this work so meaningful. We’re deeply grateful to our incredible speakers and experts for flying out on a weekend to share their insights, and to the entire team at the Stanford Snyder Lab for leading the charge in organizing and hosting this event.

Together, we’re building the foundation for a future where every child and family facing JPS has answers, options, and hope.



Check out what some of our experts had to say 👇🏽

10/03/2025

For those that are joining us this weekend for the first Solve JPS Jamboree for Families, Patients & Clinicians, we are very excited to welcome you to Stanford University! Please reach out if you have any questions!

10/01/2025

🔎 Solve JPS Expert spotlight!

We’re excited to highlight the incredible work of Dr. Ed Esplin, whose research is contributing towards advancing our understanding of JPS and bringing us closer to new solutions for patients and families.

Dr. Esplin is a physician-scientist, clinical geneticist and a prominent leader in the field of hereditary cancer syndromes, with a particular focus on familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and other gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes. Serving 10 years as Medical Officer at Invitae, a leading genetic information company, Dr. Esplin is at the forefront of integrating advanced genetic testing and counseling into clinical practice. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge genomic technology, gene-targeted therapeutics and patient care, improving outcomes for individuals and families at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes.

One of Dr. Esplin’s key research interests is the application of multi-gene panel testing to identify inherited cancer risks more comprehensively. His contributions have been instrumental in validating the use of universal broad-panel genetic testing for patients with conditions like FAP, where early and accurate diagnosis can significantly alter the course of the disease. This includes the implications of genetic findings for family members, advocating for cascade testing to identify and manage at-risk relatives proactively. As part of the NIH Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) and Stanford Pre-Cancer Atlas for FAP he has also published on the molecular pathways underlying FAP, using a multiomic approach to discover the cellular events that create polyps and lead them to become malignant, in the process identifying potentially novel treatment approaches for patients with FAP.

Dr. Esplin’s work reflects a dedication to advancing the field of clinical genetic diagnostics, therapeutics and prevention and improving the lives of individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes. His efforts have not only enhanced the accuracy and accessibility of genetic testing but also redefined the standard of care for patients at risk for conditions like FAP.

At Solve JPS, we’re proud to collaborate with dedicated researchers like Dr. Esplin as we work to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://solvejps.stanford.edu/

10/01/2025

🔎 Solve JPS Expert spotlight!

We’re excited to highlight the incredible work of Dr. Shannon White, PhD, whose research is contributing towards advancing our understanding of JPS and bringing us closer to new solutions for patients and families.

Dr. Shannon White is a researcher and postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Snyder at Stanford University, where she began her fellowship in 2020. Her scientific career is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding cancer biology, with a focus on the epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms driving tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Dr. White’s innovative work aims to uncover new approaches for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer by leveraging advanced organoid models and molecular biology techniques.

At Stanford University, Dr. White’s postdoctoral research focuses on the role of epigenetic regulators in colon cancer progression and the development of drug resistance. She is spearheading the use of patient-derived colon organoids, created from pre-cancerous polyp tissue of individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), for chemoprevention research. These organoid models enable detailed exploration of cellular responses to chemoprevention treatments, providing a dynamic system to test the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents and to study the molecular and epigenetic changes that accompany cancer progression.

At the Solve JPS & Polyposis Foundation, we’re proud to collaborate with dedicated researchers like Dr. Shannon White, PhD, as we work to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://lnkd.in/gGr-fEX2

09/26/2025

🔎 Solve JPS Expert spotlight!

We’re excited to highlight the incredible work of Dr. Michael Rosen, whose research is contributing towards advancing our understanding of JPS and bringing us closer to new solutions for patients and families.

Dr. Michael Rosen is a gastroenterologist and researcher at Stanford University, specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cutting-edge organoid technology. With a dual focus on patient care and biomedical innovation, Dr. Rosen has gained recognition for his contributions to understanding and managing complex gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBD. His clinical expertise encompasses treating a diverse population of patients with conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, utilizing the latest advances in precision medicine to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life.

Dr. Rosen’s passion for advancing the field of gastroenterology is reflected in his research on gut organoids - miniaturized, three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells that mimic the structure and function of the human intestine. His research aims to harness the potential of organoid technology to model intestinal diseases at the cellular level, offering unprecedented insights into disease mechanisms and pathways. This innovative approach has opened new avenues for understanding how IBD develops, progresses, and responds to treatment, ultimately paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies. By creating patient-specific organoid models, his team has been able to simulate the complex dynamics of intestinal inflammation and identify novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. These efforts hold promise for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s unique genetic and biological profile.

At Solve JPS, we’re proud to collaborate with dedicated researchers like Dr. Michael Rosen as we work to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://lnkd.in/gGr-fEX2

09/26/2025

🔎 Solve JPS Expert spotlight!

We’re excited to highlight the incredible work of Dr. James Howe, whose research is contributing towards advancing our understanding of JPS and bringing us closer to new solutions for patients and families.

Dr. Howe is Professor of Surgery at the University of Iowa, and Vice President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, and has previously served as the President of the Society of Surgical Oncology and President of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. He trained in General Surgery at Barnes Hospital/Washington University, which included a T32 Surgical Oncology research fellowship where he was a member of the group that found the gene responsible for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (RET) by positional cloning. He completed a clinical fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, then began his career at the University of Iowa in 1996. Here, he specialized in gastrointestinal cancer and endocrine surgery, with a focus on genetic studies of cancer.

Dr. Howe’s area of research expertise is in familial cancer syndromes, genetic linkage, gene discovery, and gene expression studies. His focus has been on the genetics of Juvenile Polyposis, which led to the discovery of the 2 predisposing genes. His current research focus is the study of gene expression profiles in pancreatic and small bowel NETs to identify new targets for imaging and treatment, and the collection of families to search for predisposing genes responsible for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (RET) by positional cloning.

At the Solve JPS & Polyposis Foundation, we’re proud to collaborate with dedicated researchers like Dr. James Howe as we work to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://lnkd.in/gGr-fEX2

09/24/2025

🔎 What are the Drivers of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS)?

Ever wonder how genetic changes can cause a complex disease? Let's take a look at Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS), a rare disorder characterized by polyps in the GI tract.

The main drivers of JPS are often mutations in the SMAD4 and BMPR1A genes. These genes are part of the TGF-β signaling pathway, which is essentially a control system for our cells.
• SMAD4 acts as a traffic controller, ensuring signals from outside the cell get to the nucleus to regulate growth. A faulty SMAD4 protein can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
• BMPR1A is a receptor that receives signals to start this process. A mutation here can also send the wrong signals, promoting polyp growth.

Knowing the role of these genes is vital for precision medicine, as it could lead to therapies that directly target this dysfunctional pathway. The challenge is that a significant number of JPS cases, about 60%, are "mutation-negative," meaning we still have much to learn about other potential drivers.

At the Solve JPS initiative, we’re working to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://solvejps.stanford.edu/

Solve JPS Jamboree October 4-5, 2025, Stanford School of Medicine - Investigating the Biology and Genetics of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome

09/23/2025

🔎 What is Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS)?

Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome is a rare, inherited condition (1 in 100,000 individuals) that causes children and young adults to develop multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly, the term “juvenile” refers to the type of polyp, not the age of onset, with a median age of diagnosis at 18.5 years.

Why does this matter?
• These polyps can cause bleeding, anemia, and gastrointestinal complications.
• While the majority of JPS cases remain benign, there have been reports of association with cancer risks
• Alarmingly, up to 60% of patients lack an identifiable genetic driver, leaving families without answers or targeted options

Awareness is critical because early diagnosis and monitoring save lives. With more collaboration between patients, families, clinicians, and researchers, we can accelerate discovery of the underlying biology and create new paths toward prevention and treatment.

At the Solve JPS initiative, we’re working to bring together top institutions, build a JPS biobank, and apply cutting-edge approaches to finally solve this devastating condition! If you’re interested to learn more, check out our upcoming free event coming up in October 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University: https://solvejps.stanford.edu/

Solve JPS Jamboree October 4-5, 2025, Stanford School of Medicine - Investigating the Biology and Genetics of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome

07/31/2025

Please join patients and families for the first Solve JPS Jamboree at Stanford University.

Come meet other families and also the world leading experts on JPS and polyposis, including Dr. James Howe who discovered the SMAD4 & BMP1 genes, as well as the top polyposis clinicians from... Stanford University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Children's Mercy, University of Pennsylvania, University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital.

There is also an opportunity for patients, siblings and parents to consider participating in a research study to find the biological driver for JPS at the event. (First link in comments).

Solve JPS Jamboree October 4-5, 2025, Stanford School of Medicine - Investigating the Biology and Genetics of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome

07/16/2025

Parents, patients and advocates for Polyposis conditions. By the year 2035, this foundation will have altered the standard of care, making new discoveries and bringing new therapies and options to patients and their families.

07/16/2025

New study shows significant variability in pediatric care for Hereditary Polyposis Syndromes. A survey published in Cancer Prevention Research highlights major inconsistencies in how providers—GI specialists and surgeons—manage Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, and Peutz‑Jeghers Syndrome in children.

🧬 34% recommend early genetic testing at birth
👶 Colonoscopy typically begins at ages 10–14
🩺 High-grade dysplasia is the main trigger for surgery

📌 Our message: Every child with JPS or related syndromes deserves care guided by consistent, evidence-based protocols. Let's advocate for standardized guidelines and raise awareness among clinicians.

AbstractData on the care of pediatric patients with hereditary polyposis syndromes (HPS) including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), juvenile polyposis syndrome, and Peutz–Jeghers syndrome are limited. We aim to describe the current practice patterns for HPS. An anonymous survey was distribute...