Detecting cancer and monitoring treatment through saliva samples
Official title: Non-invasive cancer detection and residual disease monitoring by cell-free nucleic acid from saliva
Funded at Nord Bio INC · NIH-10921095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, easy way to check for cancer by testing saliva for bits of DNA from tumors, which could help people monitor their cancer without needing painful procedures like biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nord Bio INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wilmington, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,757 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA285075-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10921095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing treatment for cancer or those in remission who require monitoring for potential recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not shed detectable cfDNA into saliva may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive method for cancer detection and monitoring by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in saliva. By using saliva as a sample source, the study aims to develop a reliable assay that can detect tumor-derived cfDNA, which reflects genetic changes in cancer. This approach seeks to provide a safer, more convenient alternative to traditional invasive procedures like biopsies, allowing for continuous monitoring of cancer presence and treatment effectiveness. The research focuses on characterizing cfDNA levels in saliva and validating the presence of tumor DNA, which could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more accessible method for early cancer detection and ongoing monitoring of treatment response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cfDNA from blood for cancer detection, but the use of saliva for this purpose is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Nord Bio INC
Wilmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leshchiner, Ignaty — Nord Bio INC
- Study coordinator: Leshchiner, Ignaty
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.