Early ovarian cancer detection from uterine lavage samples
Biomarker Reference Laboratory (BRL)
This project is creating a combined DNA methylation and protein test that uses fluid washed from the uterus to help find ovarian cancer earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10916296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide a uterine lavage (uterine wash) sample that the team will analyze for genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and for levels of up to 21 proteins measured with proximity extension assays. The researchers will optimize the test on a training set of patient samples and use machine learning to combine methylation signals across the genome and select the best protein panel. The Biomarker Reference Laboratory will partner with a certified clinical lab (Fulgent Genetics) and apply CLIA/CAP standards so the test meets clinical-grade performance. The final classifier will combine the DNA and protein signals to flag samples that may indicate early ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people undergoing gynecologic evaluation, especially those at higher risk for ovarian cancer or with symptoms leading to uterine lavage collection.
Not a fit: People without a uterus (for example after hysterectomy), those who cannot undergo uterine lavage, or those with already advanced ovarian cancer may not benefit from this early-detection test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could detect ovarian cancer earlier from a minimally invasive uterine wash, which may expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Related work using uterine or vaginal samples and molecular markers has shown promise, but combining genome-wide methylation with a custom proteomic panel is relatively new and still being validated.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kulasingam, Vathany — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kulasingam, Vathany
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.