Identifying blood markers that indicate risk for biliary tract cancer

Searching the blood metabolome to identify risk biomarkers for biliary tract cancer

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11078721

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 typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078721 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of biliary tract cancer or those exhibiting risk factors associated with metabolic disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with biliary tract cancer may not benefit directly from this research.

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 performed: 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

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bile Duct Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.