Orphan noncoding RNA test to detect buried cancer cells in lung cancer
Official title: Orphan Non-coding RNA-based Test for Detecting Minimal Residual Disease in Resectable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Funded at Exai Bio, INC. · NIH-11192382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood test using orphan noncoding RNAs and AI aims to find tiny amounts of residual lung cancer after surgery to guide subsequent treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Exai Bio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $718,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA291369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with resectable non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing or have undergone surgery and may be assessed for MRD using the new assay.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without residual disease or those not suitable for the assay may not benefit from this test.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing and validating a blood test that uses orphan noncoding RNAs and an AI model to detect minimal residual disease in resectable NSCLC. Researchers will collect patient samples with collaborators, test the assay’s performance, and refine the AI model to predict cancer subtypes. The goal is to help doctors tailor therapies based on whether any cancer remains after surgery, potentially improving outcomes. The work builds on preliminary data showing higher sensitivity than existing methods in detecting early cancer signals. Patients may participate by providing samples and clinical data through collaborating sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help doctors personalize post-surgery treatment and catch residual disease earlier to improve survival.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest higher sensitivity than current methods, but further validation is needed in larger, diverse patient groups.
Where this research is happening
-
Exai Bio, INC.
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ku, Jeremy — Exai Bio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ku, Jeremy
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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.