Identifying cancer biomarkers through glycan analysis

Translating glycans into biomarkers

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10979400

This study is exploring a new way to use changes in sugars found in the blood to help diagnose and track cancer and other diseases, using a quick and easy method called GlycoTyper that could make it easier for doctors to monitor patients' health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10979400 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how changes in glycosylation, which are linked to various cancers and diseases, can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. The team has developed a new method called GlycoTyper that allows for quick and efficient profiling of N-glycans from serum samples without the need for extensive sample preparation. By using a combination of antibody arrays and mass spectrometry, this approach can analyze small amounts of serum and provide valuable information about disease progression. The goal is to validate these biomarkers in collaboration with clinical and industry partners to enhance their application in patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with liver disease or those at risk for developing cancers associated with glycosylation changes.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to glycosylation changes or those not diagnosed with cancer or liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate cancer diagnoses and monitoring through the use of glycan biomarkers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using glycan profiling for biomarker discovery, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, 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 Acute Disease
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.