Making genetic tests for peripheral T‑cell lymphoma more reliable
Pre-analytical variables of bioanalytes affecting the accuracy of PTCL diagnostic and prognostic genetic signatures
This project looks at how the way tumor tissue and blood samples are handled can change the results of genetic tests used to diagnose and monitor peripheral T‑cell lymphomas so test results are more dependable for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174424 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare RNA‑ and DNA‑based diagnostic and prognostic signatures for peripheral T‑cell lymphoma using routine formalin‑fixed, paraffin‑embedded (FFPE) tumor samples and blood plasma cell‑free DNA. They will intentionally vary common pre‑analytical factors such as fixation, storage, and processing to see how those steps change gene expression and shallow whole‑genome analysis results. The team will test whether liquid biopsy (plasma DNA) can reliably detect subtype‑specific lesions and track disease under real‑world lab conditions. The goal is to define handling procedures or correction methods that keep genetic tests accurate across different hospitals and pathology labs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with confirmed or suspected peripheral T‑cell lymphoma who can provide archived tumor tissue blocks (FFPE) or give blood samples for plasma DNA testing.
Not a fit: People without PTCL or those whose care will not use genetic or liquid‑biopsy testing are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make genetic and liquid‑biopsy tests more accurate and consistent, helping doctors diagnose PTCL subtypes correctly and monitor disease more reliably.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that gene‑expression signatures and shallow whole‑genome analysis of plasma can distinguish PTCL subtypes and detect genetic lesions, but systematically testing how sample handling affects those results is a newer focus.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iqbal, Javeed — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Iqbal, Javeed
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 below.