A new method to monitor ovarian cancer using tiny vesicles from tumors
Official title: Nano-CRISPR extracellular vesicle sensing system for longitudinal tumor monitoring
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10916708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to track ovarian cancer by looking at tiny particles released from tumors, which can give important clues about how the cancer is responding to treatment, and it's designed to help doctors monitor the disease more easily and accurately without needing invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $415,830 |
| NIH project number | 1R33CA281794-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not currently receiving treatment for ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel sensing system called nano-CRISPR to monitor ovarian cancer by analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released from tumors. These EVs carry important molecular information about the tumor's response to treatment and potential drug resistance. The study aims to create a sensitive and standardized assay that can detect and analyze these vesicles in clinical samples, allowing for non-invasive and real-time monitoring of cancer progression. By utilizing advanced technology, the researchers hope to improve the accuracy of cancer monitoring and treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive method for patients to monitor their ovarian cancer treatment response and detect drug resistance early.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles as cancer biomarkers, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in cancer monitoring.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Im, Hyungsoon — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Im, Hyungsoon
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.