Blood test to quickly find and track cancers with FGFR changes
Liquid Biopsy for Rapid Detection and Real Time Monitoring of FGFR-altered Cancers
A blood-based genetic test that looks for FGFR changes to help people with advanced cancers like bladder or bile duct cancer get the right targeted drugs and monitor response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161634 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would give blood samples that are tested for tumor DNA carrying FGFR gene changes, including fusions and single-letter mutations. The team uses sensitive sequencing methods tailored to detect FGFR alterations that many commercial tests miss. Repeat blood draws during treatment are used to watch whether FGFR changes disappear with therapy or reappear as resistance mutations. The approach aims to help match you to FGFR-targeted medicines faster and spot emerging resistance sooner so treatment can be adjusted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with advanced cancers known or suspected to have FGFR alterations, such as advanced bladder cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, who are being considered for FGFR-targeted therapy or clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients without FGFR alterations, those with very early tumors that do not shed detectable tumor DNA into the blood, or people not eligible for FGFR-targeted treatments are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this test could help patients receive FGFR-targeted therapies sooner and reveal treatment resistance earlier so doctors can change therapy more quickly.
How similar studies have performed: Other liquid biopsy tests have successfully tracked common mutations and treatment response, but reliable detection of FGFR fusions and some resistance mutations is less established and this project seeks to improve that capability.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roychowdhury, Sameek — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Roychowdhury, Sameek
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.