Early pancreatic cancer detection using an exosome microRNA blood test
Official title: Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for Non-invasive and Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11405536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A blood test that looks at tiny particles called exosomes and the microRNA they carry to spot pancreatic cancer early in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $13,525 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA214254-08S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer or people being evaluated for possible pancreatic disease, such as those with family history, genetic risk factors, chronic pancreatitis, new-onset diabetes, or unexplained symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
People already diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer or those whose tumors do not release the specific exosome/microRNA signature may not receive direct benefit from this test.
What this research studies
We collect a small blood sample and isolate exosomes—tiny particles released by cells—and read the microRNA they carry using genome-wide sequencing. Using bioinformatics and machine-learning, we combine signals from exosome microRNA and cell-free microRNA into a diagnostic signature that aims to detect early pancreatic tumors better than current markers like CA19-9. Earlier work by this team identified promising panels of microRNAs, and this project focuses on validating those markers in larger patient groups. The goal is to develop a reliable, non-invasive blood test that could be used during evaluation or screening of people at increased risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable non-invasive, earlier detection of pancreatic cancer so people can start treatment sooner and have a better chance of improved outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work by the investigators identified small panels of circulating and exosome microRNAs that could distinguish early-stage pancreatic cancer, but broader validation in larger cohorts is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goel, Ajay — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Goel, Ajay
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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.