Improving diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma in children using blood tests.

Enrichment for Tumor-derived Cell-free EBV DNA: Towards a Diagnostic Assay for Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma

['FUNDING_U01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11061865

This study is looking at a new way to help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose endemic Burkitt lymphoma in children by checking for a specific virus in their blood, which could lead to faster treatment and better outcomes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11061865 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the diagnosis of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) in children by detecting tumor-derived cell-free EBV DNA in blood samples. The study aims to reduce diagnostic delays that can lead to advanced disease stages and poorer outcomes. By modifying specimen preparation techniques, the researchers hope to improve the specificity of EBV DNA as a marker for eBL, allowing for quicker and more accurate diagnoses. This could lead to timely treatment interventions for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 12 years old who present with symptoms suggestive of Burkitt lymphoma, particularly those with abdominal masses or jaw swelling.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed diagnoses of other types of cancer or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of Burkitt lymphoma in children, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cell-free DNA for cancer detection, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.