Analyzing cell-free DNA for cancer detection
Official title: Cell-free DNA Analysis for Liquid Biopsy of Cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10924016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at blood samples from people with non-small cell lung cancer to find new ways to spot the disease early and track its changes, using a special method that can catch important genetic clues that other tests might miss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $96,465 |
| NIH project number | 5K00CA264398-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with late-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma who have specific EGFR mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those without EGFR mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) found in the blood of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) to improve early detection and genetic monitoring of the disease. The study utilizes a novel electric field-induced release and measurement liquid biopsy (eLB) platform, which can detect specific mutations in ctDNA that are often missed by traditional methods. By examining ultrashort single-stranded ctDNA, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes. Patients will provide plasma samples that will be analyzed using advanced sequencing techniques and bioinformatics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of NSCLC, ultimately improving treatment strategies and survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsy techniques for cancer detection, but this specific approach utilizing ultrashort ctDNA is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Jordan C — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Jordan C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Towards a blood-based test using nanophotonic exosomes to screen and diagnose liver cancer
A new blood test using tiny particles shed by liver cancer cells aims to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma earlier and more accurately.
-
Liquid biopsy test to screen for lymphoma in people with HIV
A new blood test called High Density Methyl-Seq is being checked to see if it can detect lymphoma early in people living with HIV.
-
Liquid biopsy and oxygen therapy to guide glioblastoma treatment
A patient-focused study exploring a blood-based test and a safe oxygen therapy to help doctors tell true tumor growth from treatment effects in adults with glioblastoma treated with chemoradiation.
-
Liquid biopsy to monitor LMS treatment and resistance
A patient-centered look at using blood tests to see how well LMS treatment is working and when resistance to therapy appears.
-
Imagnostix: a simple blood-based test to flag Alzheimer’s risk
A new blood-based test called Imagnostix aims to help identify people who may be developing Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more cheaply than current methods.
-
Multi-omic liquid biopsy to guide immunotherapy in colorectal and anal cancers
A patient-facing overview of a study testing blood-based biomarkers (ctDNA and extracellular RNA) to better tailor immunotherapy for colorectal and anal cancer patients.
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.