Individualized DNA junctions to track glioma with spinal/CSF liquid biopsies
Official title: Individualized DNA junctions for glioma response assessment via longitudinal liquid biopsies
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11428462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Mayo Clinic-led study will test patient-specific DNA junctions in cerebrospinal fluid to monitor glioblastoma and other astrocytic tumors over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $565,423 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315861-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Grade 4 astrocytomas (including glioblastoma) undergoing standard therapy and with access to CSF sampling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to CSF sampling devices or with tumors not shedding detectable DNA junctions may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
People living with grade 4 astrocytomas, including glioblastoma, may have a new way to track their disease using tiny, tumor-specific DNA fragments found in spinal fluid. Researchers will design individual tests for each patient’s tumor junctions and follow them over time to see how well these markers reflect disease burden and treatment response. The study builds on evidence that CSF-based DNA junctions can be detected and tracked with high sensitivity, potentially enabling earlier and more precise care decisions. Participation would involve serial CSF sampling through existing access devices and regular clinical follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide real-time, personalized monitoring of tumor burden to guide treatments and detect changes sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show detectable tumor-specific junctions in CSF and plasma, supporting a novel monitoring approach in gliomas.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burns, Terry — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Burns, Terry
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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.