Non-invasive tests to sort lung nodules by cancer risk
Biomarker Development Lab
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11158690
This project is developing nose‑swab gene tests, blood tests for circulating tumor cells, and CT image tools to help people with indeterminate lung nodules know their cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158690 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If a CT scan finds an indeterminate lung nodule, this lab work aims to use simple, non‑invasive samples and imaging to tell which nodules are likely benign or likely malignant. The team is combining nasal gene expression patterns, circulating tumor cell detection from blood, and CT image analysis (radiomics/algorithms) to create risk scores. They plan to refine these biomarkers using samples and scans from people found by lung‑cancer screening or incidentally on imaging, then validate the tests against clinical outcomes. The goal is to move some intermediate‑risk nodules into a clearer low‑risk (watchful waiting) or high‑risk (treatment) pathway.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have indeterminate pulmonary nodules on CT scans, especially those judged to be at intermediate risk, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without lung nodules or those whose nodules are already clearly benign or clearly malignant under current care are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could reduce unnecessary biopsies and procedures for benign nodules and speed diagnosis and treatment for cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches like radiomics, nasal gene signatures, and CTC detection have shown promising early results but remain experimental and need larger validation.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DUBINETT, STEVEN M. — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: DUBINETT, STEVEN M.
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: Cancers