Improving the process of analyzing tumor-related molecules from blood samples
Official title: Streamlining sample preparation with high throughput SpinEx (Separation processing integration for Extracellular vesicles)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11062556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new method to make it easier and quicker to collect tiny particles from your blood that can give doctors important clues about tumors, helping to improve cancer tests and treatment tracking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,413 |
| NIH project number | 1R61CA297878-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing evaluation for cancer or those with a known cancer diagnosis who may benefit from improved diagnostic methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or are not undergoing cancer treatment may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are tiny particles released by cells that can provide important information about tumors through blood tests. The project aims to develop a new technology called SpinEx that simplifies the sample preparation process, making it easier and faster to isolate EVs from blood plasma. By addressing the technical challenges of purifying EVs from other similar particles, this research seeks to improve the reliability of tests that could help in cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and efficient blood tests for cancer, allowing for better monitoring and treatment of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for cancer diagnostics, but the specific approach of using SpinEx technology is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hakho — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hakho
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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.