Improving lung cancer screening accuracy using blood tests
Official title: Improving risk stratification for lung cancer screening using peripheral blood leukocyte DNA methylation: an investigation in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11043330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA from blood samples can help find people who are at high risk for lung cancer before they get screened, making it easier to identify those who really need tests and improve the accuracy of results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $676,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 50-80 with a history of smoking or significant exposure to lung cancer risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 or have no history of smoking or relevant risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how DNA methylation levels in blood leukocytes can help identify individuals at high risk for lung cancer before they undergo screening. By analyzing samples from participants in the National Lung Screening Trial, the study aims to create a tool that better categorizes risk, potentially reducing unnecessary scans. Additionally, it seeks to differentiate between true positive and false positive screening results based on DNA markers, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate lung cancer screenings, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving early detection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer risk stratification, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in lung cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michaud, Dominique S. — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Michaud, Dominique S.
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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.