Analyzing best practices for testing fluid samples from lung cancer patients
Official title: Comprehensive Analysis of Best Practices for Clinical Testing of Malignant Pleural Effusion Specimens
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10920388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $350,960 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA275514-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are experiencing malignant pleural effusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without malignant pleural effusions or those with early-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devine, Walter Patrick — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Devine, Walter Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Extracellular Vesicle Clues to Diagnose and Predict Malignant Pleural Effusion
A study at Vanderbilt aims to use tiny particles shed by cancer cells in pleural fluid to improve diagnosis and prognosis of malignant pleural effusion.
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Improving cancer testing from pleural (chest) fluid
Researchers are using DNA found in chest fluid to try to make cancer testing faster and less invasive for people with advanced cancers that cause pleural effusions.
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Feasibility of a disposable flexible bronchoscope for thoracoscopy compared with a semi-rigid pleuroscope in pleural effusion
This study tests whether a single-use flexible bronchoscope can be used safely and effectively for medical thoracoscopy in patients with pleural effusion, compared with the standard semi-rigid pleuroscope.
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Bubble PEP plus Segmental Breathing versus Incentive Spirometry for children with pleural effusion
This trial will test whether bubble positive expiratory pressure with segmental breathing helps children aged 5–16 with pleural effusion breathe better than incentive spirometry.
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Once-daily intrapleural enzyme treatment for complicated pleural infections
This will see if giving tPA and DNase once a day through a chest tube works as well as giving them twice a day for people with complicated pleural infections.
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Pleural fluid biomarker testing to help diagnose lung adenocarcinoma
This project will test whether measuring new molecular markers in pleural fluid can help diagnose lung adenocarcinoma in adults who need thoracentesis.
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.