CRISPR-powered liquid biopsy to find endometrial cancer early
Official title: A CRISPR-based sensitive liquid biopsy for endometrial cancer using tumor-derived hallmarks (CRISPR SLEUTH)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11329854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, minimally invasive blood test using CRISPR technology to detect endometrial cancer and its aggressive forms, helping people at risk or with a suspected diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $650,513 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA310785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for endometrial cancer or with suspected disease, including those with suspected USC or other high-risk subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
People without endometrial cancer or those not suitable for a liquid biopsy approach may not benefit from this test.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a sensitive, liquid biopsy that can detect early endometrial cancer and identify high-risk subtypes like uterine serous carcinoma. Researchers will use extracellular vesicles and CRISPR-based signals to spot cancer DNA/RNA in blood or other body fluids with high sensitivity. The work includes developing a test format that could be easy to use in routine care, potentially enabling earlier treatment decisions. If successful, the test could transform how endometrial cancer is screened, monitored, and treated. The study is anchored at Massachusetts General Hospital and led by Dr. Cesar M. Castro.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier detection and better-tailored treatment, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR-based liquid biopsy approaches have shown promise in other cancers, with ongoing efforts to translate to endometrial cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro, Cesar M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Castro, Cesar M
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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.