A new tool to detect cancer through blood or urine samples by analyzing DNA changes

METHYL-SENTRY: Proposed feasibility study of a nanopore diagnostic tool with rapid automated measurement of cell free DNA methylation state for clinical cancer evaluation

NIH-funded research Goeppert, LLC · NIH-10708833

This study is testing a new, easy way to find cancer early by looking at tiny bits of DNA in your blood or urine, which can help doctors catch cancer sooner and improve treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGoeppert, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10708833 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel diagnostic tool that uses nanopore technology to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for early detection of cancer. By focusing on hypermethylated biomarkers in cfDNA, the tool aims to provide a non-invasive, rapid method for identifying cancer states through blood or urine samples. The approach leverages the fact that cancer patients have a higher proportion of cfDNA from tumor cells, allowing for more accurate cancer screening. The goal is to develop a technique that can be easily implemented in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cancer or those experiencing symptoms suggestive of malignancy.

Not a fit: Patients with no risk factors for cancer or those who are not experiencing any symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking method for early cancer detection, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsies for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a valuable advancement in diagnostic methods.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.