New blood tests to detect multiple types of cancer early.
Official title: Cancer Screening Research Network - North Carolina Hub (CSRN-NC HUB)
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11034090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test that can help find different types of cancer early, especially for those that don’t have good screening options yet, and it aims to make sure this test is accessible and beneficial for everyone, especially in communities that are often overlooked.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $787,596 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1CA286949-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals from Black, Hispanic, and American Indian communities, particularly those who may not have access to traditional cancer screening methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with cancer or those who do not belong to the targeted underrepresented communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing multi-cancer early detection tests (MCDs) that utilize advanced cell-free DNA detection methods to identify various cancer types from a single blood sample. The goal is to improve early detection of cancers that currently lack effective screening methods, potentially reducing cancer mortality rates. The study will also explore the risks and benefits of these tests and how to implement them effectively in diverse communities, particularly among historically underrepresented populations. The research is being conducted by a multidisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, which has strong ties to local health systems and community health centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of multiple cancers, improving survival rates and treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cell-free DNA for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reuland, Daniel S. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Reuland, Daniel S.
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.