Developing a test to diagnose cancer in fluid around the lungs
Official title: Development of a Molecular Assay to Diagnose Malignant Pleural Effusions
Funded at Precision Epigenomics, INC. · NIH-11005186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test that helps doctors better identify cancer in patients with fluid around their lungs, making it easier to tell if the fluid is caused by cancer or something else.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Precision Epigenomics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,004,107 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA287829-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have pleural effusions and are being evaluated for potential malignancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pleural effusions that are already diagnosed as benign or those who do not have any pleural effusions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new molecular diagnostic test called the Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy assay, which aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing malignant pleural effusions (MPE). The test can detect over twenty different types of cancer by analyzing fluid samples from around the lungs. Current methods, like cytology, often miss malignant cells, so this new approach seeks to provide a more reliable alternative. The study will involve multiple clinical sites to validate the effectiveness of this assay in distinguishing between malignant and benign conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accurate and efficient diagnosis of cancer in patients with pleural effusions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsy assays for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Precision Epigenomics, INC.
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Mark Anthony — Precision Epigenomics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Mark Anthony
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating a new test to diagnose cancer in fluid around the lungs
This study is testing a new test called the Sentinel-MPE that helps doctors better tell if fluid around the lungs is caused by cancer or not, making it easier for patients with pleural effusions to get the right diagnosis.
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Molecular test to detect cancer in pleural fluid
A new liquid‑biopsy test that aims to find cancer in pleural fluid for people with unexplained fluid around the lungs.
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.