Molecular test to detect cancer in pleural fluid
Official title: Development of a Molecular Assay to Diagnose Malignant Pleural Effusions
Funded at Precision Epigenomics, INC. · NIH-11143911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new liquid‑biopsy test that aims to find cancer in pleural fluid for people with unexplained fluid around the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Precision Epigenomics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,041,709 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA287829-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pleural effusions of unclear cause or suspected cancer who are undergoing diagnostic evaluation would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pleural effusion cause is already known, who do not have available pleural fluid samples, or who are not seen at participating sites would likely not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will use the Sentinel‑MPE liquid biopsy, a molecular assay that looks for cancer signals in pleural fluid samples. Precision Epigenomics, working with the University of Arizona, will run a multi‑site clinical validation comparing the test to standard cytology. The test uses molecular/epigenetic markers to try to tell malignant pleural effusions from benign ones and is intended to complement current lab methods. If validation is successful, the company plans to make the test available commercially for diagnostic use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could provide more accurate and faster answers about whether pleural fluid is caused by cancer, helping patients get the right treatment sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Other molecular liquid‑biopsy and DNA methylation approaches have shown promise detecting cancer, but applying the Sentinel‑MPE assay to pleural effusions is a newer and more specialized use.
Where this research is happening
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Precision Epigenomics, INC.
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Mark Anthony — Precision Epigenomics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Mark Anthony
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating a new test to diagnose cancer in fluid around the lungs
This study is testing a new test called the Sentinel-MPE that helps doctors better tell if fluid around the lungs is caused by cancer or not, making it easier for patients with pleural effusions to get the right diagnosis.
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Developing a test to diagnose cancer in fluid around the lungs
This study is testing a new blood test that helps doctors better identify cancer in patients with fluid around their lungs, making it easier to tell if the fluid is caused by cancer or something else.
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.