New blood markers to help detect and describe lung cancer
Novel metabolomic contrast probes for human lung cancer characterization
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11180326
This project checks whether specific blood-based metabolite markers can help find and describe lung cancer in people before symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180326 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare metabolite markers found in matched lung tissue and blood from people with lung cancer and from healthy controls to confirm promising signals. They will use mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging to link those markers to tumor features and to identify serum markers. The team will also test markers in blood samples collected before cancer was detected and compare the health impact and cost-effectiveness of these markers with existing advanced tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at higher risk for lung cancer (for example older adults with a significant smoking history) who can provide blood samples or tissue specimens.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced symptomatic lung cancer or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early-detection work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable a blood-based tool that finds lung cancer earlier and helps guide care decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Related metabolomics and mass-spectrometry studies have shown promising preliminary results but remain experimental for routine lung cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FARRAR, CHRISTIAN T — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: FARRAR, CHRISTIAN T
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: Cancer Detection