Biomarker center to find ovarian cancer earlier
A multidisciplinary BCC for ovarian cancer early detection: translating discoveries to clinical use with a by-design approach
This project works to develop blood and tissue biomarker tests to detect early high-grade serous ovarian cancer in women at increased risk, such as BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will develop and validate biomarkers tied to the biology of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) using clinical specimens from high-risk women. The team will optimize how samples are collected and processed, run advanced lab assays and multiplex tests, and use bioinformatics to combine signals into an in vitro multivariate index assay (IVDMIA). They will prioritize markers that capture precursor lesions, tumors confined to the ovary/fallopian tube, or low-volume disease. The center will build on existing EDRN projects and serve as a resource for broader early-detection efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are women at high risk for HGSOC—especially BRCA1/2 mutation carriers—or those with early-stage or precursor findings who can provide clinical samples.
Not a fit: Average-risk women in the general population are not the intended beneficiaries and are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a clinically available test that finds HGSOC earlier when treatment is more likely to succeed.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biomarker research has shown promising candidates but no validated early-detection test for HGSOC exists yet; this project builds on prior EDRN work to move candidates toward clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhen — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhen
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.