Measuring cancer biomarkers from small blood samples at home
Digital Multiplexed Analysis of Circulating Nucleic Acids in Small-Volume Blood Specimens
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11126725
This study is testing a new way for men with advanced prostate cancer to easily collect small blood samples at home, so they can keep track of important markers that help doctors understand how their cancer is progressing and how well treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126725 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a technology that allows cancer patients to collect small blood samples at home to monitor important cancer biomarkers over time. The focus is on patients with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), specifically measuring a biomarker called microRNA-375, which can predict survival outcomes. By using a new assay called single-molecule flow (SiM-Flow), the researchers will enhance the ability to analyze multiple genetic markers from these small samples, which is crucial for understanding the disease's progression and treatment response. This approach not only facilitates patient convenience but also aligns with the need for reduced hospital visits during health crises.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who are undergoing treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not diagnosed with prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive and convenient method for patients to monitor their cancer progression and treatment response from home.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using home-collected blood samples for biomarker analysis, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN — CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SMITH, ANDREW MICHAEL — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Study coordinator: SMITH, ANDREW MICHAEL
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.
Conditions: advanced prostate cancer, androgen independent prostate cancer, androgen indifferent prostate cancer, androgen insensitive prostate cancer, androgen resistance in prostate cancer