Developing a test to diagnose cancer in fluid around the lungs

Development of a Molecular Assay to Diagnose Malignant Pleural Effusions

NIH-funded research Precision Epigenomics, INC. · NIH-11005186

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrecision Epigenomics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11005186 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have pleural effusions and are being evaluated for potential malignancies.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Tucson, 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 Breast 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.