Better blood tests to find lung cancer early by detecting tumor DNA changes
Optimizing Ultrasensitive DNA methylation detection for lung cancer and other malignancies
This project is improving very sensitive blood tests that look for cancer-specific DNA methylation in people at risk for lung cancer and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are refining lab methods that detect cancer-specific DNA methylation in tiny fragments of tumor DNA found in blood plasma. A Biomarker Development Laboratory will optimize the assays and sample processing, while a Biomarker Reference Laboratory will set up and standardize the tests for clinical use. The team will work with the Early Detection Research Network to apply these methods to patient blood samples, especially from people with screen-detected lung nodules. The goal is to increase sensitivity and specificity so the blood test can better help decide who needs follow-up scans or biopsies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with pulmonary nodules found on screening or imaging and those at higher risk for lung cancer who could provide blood samples for testing.
Not a fit: People without lung nodules, those at low risk for lung cancer, or patients seeking immediate treatment rather than diagnostic screening may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more accurate blood-based screening or diagnostic tests that find lung cancers earlier and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work has shown promising sensitivity and specificity for DNA methylation assays in detecting lung cancer, but this project seeks further improvements before routine clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herman, James G. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Herman, James G.
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 below.