Detecting multiple types of cancer early using blood tests
Official title: Multi-cancer early detection using cell-free DNA methylome analysis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10931587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test that looks at DNA patterns to help find early signs of cancers like colon, stomach, liver, and lung cancer, making it easier for doctors to catch these diseases sooner and offer better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $879,305 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA285010-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for colon, gastric, liver, or lung cancers, particularly those with early-stage symptoms or family histories of these cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not targeted by this research, or those who are not at risk for the specified cancer types, may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving early cancer detection through a new blood test that analyzes cell-free DNA methylation patterns. The innovative technology, called cell-free DNA Methylome Sequencing (cfMethyl-Seq), aims to enhance the accuracy of detecting early-stage cancers, specifically colon, gastric, liver, and lung cancers. By refining this method and validating it in various clinical settings, the research seeks to integrate this test into routine healthcare, potentially allowing for earlier and more effective treatment options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and earlier detection of multiple cancers, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar liquid biopsy techniques for cancer detection, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine
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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.