New DNA markers for early detection of lung cancer.
Official title: Novel ultra-short cell free DNA biomarkers for early detection of non-small cell lung cancer.
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10881929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a new, gentle way to help find out if lung nodules are cancerous or not by testing tiny bits of DNA in the blood, which could really help patients who have uncertain results from their CT scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA283665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been identified with indeterminate pulmonary nodules through low-dose CT scans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lung nodules or those with confirmed lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new, non-invasive DNA biomarkers to improve the early detection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By analyzing ultra-short cell-free DNA found in the blood of patients, the study aims to differentiate between benign and malignant lung nodules detected through CT scans. The approach seeks to enhance the sensitivity of current diagnostic methods, which often struggle with high false positive rates. Patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules may benefit from this innovative diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of lung cancer, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsies for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Feng — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Li, Feng
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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.