Analyzing urine for cancer-related DNA

Urine based circulating tumor DNA analysis

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10870078

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 typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10870078 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-metastatic HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic cancers or those not infected with oncogenic HPV may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Indianapolis, 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 Anal CancerAnal CancersAnus Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.