Investigating piRNAs as new biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer

Explore piRNAs as a novel group of biomarkers for ovarian cancer early detection

NIH-funded research Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10785263

This study is looking at a new way to find ovarian cancer early by checking for special molecules in blood and tissue samples, which could help create a simple blood test to catch the disease sooner and improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Little Rock, United States)
Project IDNIH-10785263 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the use of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) as potential biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer. By analyzing blood samples and ovarian tissues, the study will identify specific piRNAs that are over-expressed in early-stage ovarian cancer compared to normal tissues. This innovative approach could lead to the development of a sensitive blood test for detecting ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The research will involve advanced sequencing techniques to pinpoint these biomarkers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women at high risk for ovarian cancer or those experiencing early symptoms of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer or those without any risk factors for ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a reliable blood test for the early detection of ovarian cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of piRNAs as biomarkers is a novel approach, previous research has shown promise in using other types of noncoding RNAs for cancer detection.

Where this research is happening

Little Rock, 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 Cancersneoplasm/cancerDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.