Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs
Official title: Development of an automated, point of care DNA methylation cartridge blood test for colorectal cancer detection in LMICs- an academic-industrial partnership
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11531863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $107,249 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA278816-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11531863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for colorectal cancer in LMICs, especially those with limited access to colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without colorectal cancer or without access to nearby follow-up diagnostic options may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a simple cartridge-based test that can be used at the point of care to flag people who may have colorectal cancer so they can get faster follow-up colonoscopy and pathology review. It builds on prior data about methylation markers in colorectal cancer and partners with Cepheid to develop a cartridge-based, under-three-hour test using a small blood sample. The study will optimize DNA processing methods and select a five-marker panel to improve accuracy, with testing on plasma from patients with and without cancer as well as tissue samples. If successful, the approach could reduce diagnostic delays and lower costs in LMIC settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the test proves accurate and affordable, it could speed up cancer detection and improve survival by prioritizing patients for urgent evaluation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports the use of DNA methylation markers for colorectal cancer detection, but deployment in LMIC point-of-care settings is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sukumar, Saraswati — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sukumar, Saraswati
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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.