Finding a non-invasive way to detect endometriosis early
Official title: The non-invasive early detection of endometriosis
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10838470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a simple blood test that can help find endometriosis early, so women can get the care they need faster and with less discomfort than the current surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $244,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD110826-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10838470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, such as chronic pelvic pain or infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit symptoms of endometriosis or have already been diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a non-invasive method for the early detection of endometriosis, a condition that causes significant pelvic pain and infertility in women. The approach focuses on analyzing cell-free DNA found in blood plasma to identify specific DNA methylation patterns associated with endometriosis. By targeting these genetic markers, the research seeks to provide a quicker and less invasive diagnostic option compared to the current surgical biopsy method, which often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This could ultimately improve the quality of life for women suffering from this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of endometriosis, reducing pain and improving fertility outcomes for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive methods for detecting various conditions through DNA analysis, suggesting that this approach could be viable for endometriosis as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, David Gerard — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Peters, David Gerard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
-
Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.