New paper tests for quickly detecting brain cancer spread in the fluid around the brain.
Official title: Novel paper-based diagnostics for the rapid detection and monitoring of leptomeningeal disease
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11042716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use paper test that can quickly check for leptomeningeal disease, which happens when cancer spreads to the brain's protective layers, so patients can get faster results and start treatment sooner.
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 | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $207,967 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280257-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease or those suspected of having cancer that may have spread to the cerebrospinal fluid.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the cerebrospinal fluid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative paper-based diagnostic tools to rapidly detect leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a severe condition where cancer spreads to the brain's protective layers and cerebrospinal fluid. Current diagnostic methods, such as lumbar punctures, are often slow and require multiple tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells. The new approach aims to simplify the testing process, making it faster and more accessible for patients, potentially allowing for immediate treatment decisions. By using advanced techniques to identify cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, this research hopes to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses of leptomeningeal disease, allowing for timely treatment interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced diagnostic techniques for cancer detection, but this specific paper-based approach is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamei, Daniel T — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kamei, Daniel 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.