Identifying blood markers that indicate risk for biliary tract cancer
Official title: Searching the blood metabolome to identify risk biomarkers for biliary tract cancer
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11078721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at blood samples to find signs that could help predict the risk of biliary tract cancer, like gallbladder and bile duct cancers, so if you're asked to join, your contribution could help spot this cancer earlier for others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,442 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA262678-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of biliary tract cancer or those exhibiting risk factors associated with metabolic disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with biliary tract cancer may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the blood metabolome to find biomarkers that can indicate the risk of biliary tract cancer, which includes cancers of the gallbladder and bile ducts. By analyzing blood samples from individuals before they are diagnosed with cancer, the study aims to identify specific metabolites that could serve as early warning signs. The research involves a large-scale collaboration across multiple cohorts and genetic studies to ensure diverse representation and robust findings. Patients may be asked to provide blood samples and participate in follow-up assessments to validate the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of early detection methods for biliary tract cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for various cancers through metabolomic analysis, suggesting that this approach could be effective for biliary tract cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shu, Xiao-Ou — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shu, Xiao-Ou
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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.