A virtual bank for collecting and sharing mesothelioma patient data and samples.
Official title: Continuation and Expansion of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank for Translational Research (U24) - 2021
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10849611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is gathering blood and tissue samples from people with mesothelioma to help researchers learn more about the disease and find better treatments, and they're looking to include more patients from different backgrounds to make the research even more helpful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,079,312 |
| NIH project number | 5U24OH009077-18 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma who are willing to provide biospecimens and clinical information.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of mesothelioma or are unwilling to provide biospecimens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) collects biospecimens such as blood and tissue from patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, along with their demographic and clinical information. This data is shared with researchers to advance understanding and treatment of mesothelioma. The project aims to expand the patient cohort to 2,200 individuals and enhance the diversity of the data collected. Additionally, the NMVB seeks to automate the annotation of biospecimens using electronic health records to improve research efficiency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and outcomes for patients with mesothelioma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research initiatives involving biobanks have shown success in advancing cancer research, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becich, Michael John — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Becich, Michael John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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National Mesothelioma Biobank expands patient biospecimen and data sharing for research
A national biobank collects blood, tissue, and clinical data from mesothelioma patients to help researchers develop better diagnostics and treatments.
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Intraperitoneal CAR T cells for peritoneal mesothelioma
A new approach uses CAR T cells delivered directly into the abdominal cavity to target mesothelioma, aiming to help people whose disease is confined to the abdomen.
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Liquid multiomics to tailor systemic treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Researchers are testing liquid biomarkers to help choose personalized treatments for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
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New ways to make mesothelioma treatment work better
This project looks at whether common antidepressant drugs plus a drug that blocks Mcl-1 can help chemotherapy work better for people with malignant mesothelioma.
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Targeting mitochondria to help immunotherapy work better for pleural mesothelioma
The team will try medicines that change cancer cell mitochondria to help immunotherapy work better for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
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Tumor-targeted imaging and alpha-particle therapy for mesothelioma
This project develops an antibody-based imaging approach and a targeted alpha-particle therapy to find and kill mesothelioma tumors, including hard-to-treat sarcomatoid cases.
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.