Detecting cancer biomarkers using advanced technology
Official title: Single-Molecule High-Confidence Detection of miRNA Cancer Biomarkers
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11061256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that can quickly and accurately find cancer-related markers in your blood, helping doctors diagnose cancer more reliably and faster than current methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 13, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R61CA278445-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing evaluation for cancer who have detectable levels of miRNA biomarkers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or do not have detectable miRNA biomarkers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new technology platform that allows for the rapid and accurate detection of microRNA (miRNA) cancer biomarkers in patient samples. By utilizing a unique fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor, the study aims to achieve high-confidence results in under an hour, addressing the inconsistencies found in current miRNA analysis methods. The approach involves analyzing cell-free circulating miRNAs, which are stable and relevant to cancer diagnosis, to improve the reliability of cancer biomarker detection. This could lead to better diagnostic tools for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more accurate and timely cancer diagnoses through improved biomarker detection.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced detection methods for cancer biomarkers, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhakal, Soma — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Dhakal, Soma
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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.