Analyzing best practices for testing fluid samples from lung cancer patients

Comprehensive Analysis of Best Practices for Clinical Testing of Malignant Pleural Effusion Specimens

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10920388

This study is looking at ways to make it easier for people with advanced cancer and fluid buildup in their lungs to get important genetic information about their tumors, using a simple procedure that removes the fluid, so doctors can make better treatment choices.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10920388 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on patients with advanced cancers who develop malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), which are fluid collections that can contain cancer cells. The study aims to improve diagnostic methods by evaluating how thoracentesis, a procedure to remove this fluid, can be optimized for molecular testing. By analyzing the cell-free DNA found in these fluid samples, the research seeks to provide a less invasive and more efficient way to gather genetic information about tumors, potentially leading to better treatment decisions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are experiencing malignant pleural effusions.

Not a fit: Patients without malignant pleural effusions or those with early-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for patients with advanced cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cell-free DNA from other sources for molecular testing, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.