Blood DNA fragment test for early lung cancer
DNA evaluation of fragments for early interception (DELFI) of Lung cancer
This work uses a blood test that looks at DNA fragments to find lung cancer early in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175295 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide a small blood sample that researchers analyze for fragments of cell-free DNA. They use low-coverage whole genome sequencing to map patterns of DNA fragmentation that tend to differ between healthy people and those with cancer. The goal is to improve the DELFI approach so it can detect early lung cancers and help tell malignant nodules from benign ones. Researchers will compare samples from patients and controls to refine the test for screening and diagnostic use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at higher risk for lung cancer—such as older adults with a long smoking history or those with suspicious lung nodules—are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without lung cancer or whose tumors do not release detectable DNA into the blood may not get a benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this blood test could find lung cancer earlier and help doctors treat it before it spreads.
How similar studies have performed: Related liquid biopsy methods and earlier DELFI work have shown promise for detecting cancers from blood, but larger validation studies are still needed to confirm clinical usefulness.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Velculescu, Victor E. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Velculescu, Victor E.
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.