Analyzing urine for cancer-related DNA
Official title: Urine based circulating tumor DNA analysis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10870078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether testing urine can help detect cancer-related DNA in patients with non-metastatic HPV positive throat cancer, and it aims to see if this at-home urine test is as good as the usual blood tests and biopsies for keeping track of the disease and spotting any recurrences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $432,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA262238-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-metastatic HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metastatic cancers or those not infected with oncogenic HPV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of urine as a source for circulating tumor DNA in patients with non-genitourinary cancers, particularly focusing on those with non-metastatic HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study aims to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of at-home urine-based molecular testing compared to traditional methods like blood tests and tissue biopsies. By comparing the sensitivity and specificity of urine-based HPV testing to established gold standards, the research seeks to improve disease monitoring and recurrence detection for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive and convenient method for monitoring cancer recurrence in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using blood-based HPV DNA testing, suggesting that urine-based testing may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lautenschlaeger, Tim — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Lautenschlaeger, Tim
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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.