ctDNA biomarker test and use in care for young people with sarcomas
Official title: Validation and implementation of ctDNA as a clinically informative biomarkerin AYAs with sarcomas.
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11369672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist will study a blood-detected DNA marker (ctDNA) to guide treatment decisions for adolescents and young adults with sarcoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $253,592 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA290061-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescents and young adults with sarcoma who are undergoing treatment or in follow-up care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ctDNA-detectable disease or those not enrolled in biomarker-driven protocols may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to turn a blood test that finds cancer DNA into a practical tool for young patients with sarcomas. The work focuses on how ctDNA relates to risk, treatment response, and relapse, with plans to integrate findings into clinical decision-making. The team will collect blood samples, analyze ctDNA levels, and link results to patient outcomes to inform future trials. The goal is to personalize therapy while reducing unnecessary toxicity and long-term side effects for AYAs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could tailor treatments to each patient's biology, potentially improving survival and reducing late effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests ctDNA can predict outcomes in some sarcoma subtypes, but application in AYAs with sarcoma is still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shulman, David — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Shulman, David
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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.