Early cancer detection using saliva and spinal-fluid DNA tests
Multi-analyte Approach for Earlier Detection of Cancers in Non Plasma Biofluids
['FUNDING_U01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11180962
This project is testing sensitive DNA-based saliva and spinal-fluid tests to find brain and head-and-neck cancers earlier.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are developing non-blood "liquid biopsy" tests that look for tumor DNA in saliva and cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spine). The team uses highly sensitive methods to detect multiple DNA markers from very small samples and has found that CSF and saliva can contain more tumor DNA than blood for some cancers. They will refine these multi-analyte assays and work with an industry partner to move the tests toward clinical use. The aim is a minimally invasive way to detect brain and head-and-neck cancers sooner than current approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with symptoms, suspected disease, or high risk for brain or head-and-neck cancers who can provide saliva or cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Not a fit: People without brain or head-and-neck cancers, or whose tumors do not release detectable DNA into saliva or CSF, may not benefit from these tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could detect brain and head-and-neck cancers earlier using simple saliva or spinal-fluid samples, which may improve treatment options and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Blood-based liquid biopsies have shown promise and preliminary studies support tumor DNA detection in CSF and saliva, but applying multi-analyte assays to these fluids for early detection is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PAPADOPOULOS, NICKOLAS — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PAPADOPOULOS, NICKOLAS
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 below.