Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
Official title: Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for Non-invasive and Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11535267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $13,525 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA214254-09S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for pancreatic cancer or those with suspicious symptoms who could benefit from early detection.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PDAC risk factors or with advanced disease unlikely to benefit from earlier detection biomarkers.
What this research studies
This project looks at tiny RNA molecules carried by exosomes in the blood to find patterns that indicate early pancreatic cancer. Researchers will profile microRNAs and apply bioinformatics to identify a robust signature that can distinguish early PDAC from non-cancer cases. The work builds on prior findings and uses genome-wide sequencing and machine learning to validate a diagnostic panel. If successful, it could lead to a non-invasive test that enables earlier treatment and better outcomes for patients. The study is conducted at Beckman Research Institute/City of Hope under the direction of Ajay Goel.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown promise with cf-miRNA and exo-miRNA panels for early PDAC detection, though broader validation is 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.