Detecting ovarian cancer early using blood tests and advanced technology

Extracellular Vesicle Proteomic Fingerprinting of Ovarian Cancer for Early Detection with a Nanoengineered Microsystem

NIH-funded research University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11112335

This study is working on a simple blood test that can spot ovarian cancer early by looking for tiny particles released by tumors, helping to catch the disease before symptoms show up and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11112335 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop non-invasive blood tests that can detect ovarian cancer at an early stage, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The approach focuses on analyzing small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in the blood, which are released by tumors and contain important biomolecules. By utilizing advanced nanoengineered microsystems, the researchers hope to identify specific biomarkers that indicate the presence of ovarian cancer before symptoms arise. This innovative method seeks to overcome the limitations of current diagnostic techniques, which often lack sensitivity and specificity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women at high risk for ovarian cancer, particularly those with BRCA1/2 mutations or a family history of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer may not benefit from this early detection research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of ovarian cancer, significantly improving survival rates and treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in early diagnosis.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.