Blood-based marker Tu-Stroma to catch ovarian cancer early
Official title: Intercepting Ovarian Cancer at Its Earliest Stage: Validation of Tu-Stroma as a Blood-Based Diagnostic Biomarker
Funded at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian · NIH-11433810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A blood test using Tu-Stroma may detect the earliest signs of ovarian cancer, potentially before it spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newport Beach, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $541,081 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA318082-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for ovarian cancer or with adnexal masses who may benefit from early detection strategies.
✕Less likely to help
People without HGSC risk or with benign conditions unlikely to be detected by this biomarker.
What this research studies
This project tests a blood biomarker called Tu-Stroma, found in extracellular vesicles, to identify serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma and early-stage ovarian cancer. Researchers will validate a qRT-PCR test on blood samples collected from diverse, blinded cohorts to ensure accuracy across different populations. If successful, the test could enable earlier intervention when treatment is more effective and survival chances are higher.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If validated, this biomarker blood test could enable earlier detection and improve survival for ovarian cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show high diagnostic performance (AUC ~0.99) in early disease, but further validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Newport Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gogna, Esha — Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
- Study coordinator: Gogna, Esha
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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.