Developing better methods to detect DNA changes for early lung cancer detection

Core - Biomarker Development Laboratory (BDL)

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10902050

This study is working on new ways to find early signs of lung cancer by looking for specific changes in DNA found in blood samples, which could help doctors tell if someone has lung cancer or another type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10902050 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating advanced techniques to identify DNA methylation changes that can signal the early presence of lung cancer. A team of experts will work on developing panels that can detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood plasma, helping to pinpoint whether this DNA comes from lung cancer or other cancers. By using high-quality biospecimens, the project aims to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of these detection methods, ultimately leading to improved diagnostic capabilities for lung cancer. The findings will be standardized and tested to ensure they meet clinical laboratory standards.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for lung cancer, such as smokers or those with a family history of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have lung cancer or are not at risk for developing lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of lung cancer, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using DNA methylation markers for cancer detection, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 Cancer Cause
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.