Enriching tumor-derived EBV DNA to build a diagnostic test for endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL)
Official title: Enrichment for Tumor-derived Cell-free EBV DNA: Towards a Diagnostic Assay for Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11311868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop a blood-based test that specifically detects tumor-derived EBV DNA to improve early diagnosis of endemic Burkitt lymphoma in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $259,527 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA271252-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children in Africa (notably Uganda) with suspected Burkitt lymphoma or related abdominal/jaw masses
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Burkitt lymphomas or those unlikely to have detectable tumor-derived EBV DNA may not benefit.
What this research studies
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is common in African children and delays in diagnosis often lead to advanced disease. This project aims to enrich samples for tumor-derived EBV DNA to improve diagnostic accuracy, using blood and saliva as sources. If successful, the test could shorten time to diagnosis and reduce unnecessary treatments by distinguishing tumor DNA from non-tumor EBV DNA. The study builds on preanalytical refinements to specimen processing to maximize tumor signal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the diagnostic test could lead to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and better outcomes for children with eBL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows EBV is associated with eBL and that EBV DNA can be detected in blood, but specificity for malignancy needs improvement.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambinder, Richard Frederick — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ambinder, Richard Frederick
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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.