Better blood tests to find tiny leftover cancer
Comprehensive minimal residual disease tracking in cancer
This project is testing ultra-sensitive blood tests to find tiny amounts of cancer DNA in people treated for breast and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11225122 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving liquid biopsies—blood tests that look for tumor DNA—to spot minimal residual disease after treatment. They are combining two advanced laboratory methods (including a technique called MAESTRO) to greatly increase sensitivity and turn previously ctDNA-negative samples into detectable ones. The team will analyze blood samples from people with breast and other solid tumors over time to watch for tiny changes in tumor DNA. Findings are intended to guide earlier follow-up or treatment decisions if residual cancer is found.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people treated for breast or other solid tumors who are in remission or surveillance and can provide blood samples for MRD testing.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not release detectable tumor DNA into the blood or who cannot provide blood samples may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could detect returning cancer earlier and help doctors start treatment sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Other liquid biopsy studies have shown promise and recent methods have converted some ctDNA-negative samples into positives, but consistently achieving ultra-high sensitivity remains a newer advance.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makrigiorgos, G. Mike — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Makrigiorgos, G. Mike
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.