Creating a DNA test to identify Barrett's esophagus patients at risk of cancer
Official title: Development of a highly sensitive DNA hypermethylation-based kit to identify Barrett's esophagus patients at high risk of progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Pre-Cancer Diagnosis, LLC · NIH-10919150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new DNA test to help find out which patients with Barrett's esophagus are more likely to develop esophageal cancer, so they can get the right care sooner and feel more at ease about their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pre-Cancer Diagnosis, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belle Mead, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $398,738 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA291354-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus who are concerned about their risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus or those who are not at risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a highly sensitive DNA test to identify patients with Barrett's esophagus who are at high risk of progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The approach involves analyzing DNA hypermethylation patterns, which are early indicators of cancer development. By identifying specific biomarkers, the goal is to better predict which patients may develop cancer, allowing for earlier intervention and management. This could significantly reduce the anxiety and uncertainty faced by patients with Barrett's esophagus regarding their cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment options for patients at high risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using DNA methylation markers for cancer risk assessment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Pre-Cancer Diagnosis, LLC
Belle Mead, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Zhongren — Pre-Cancer Diagnosis, LLC
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Zhongren
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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.