Plasma microRNA clues to tell cancer from non-cancer in lung nodules
Official title: Plasma microRNA biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis
Funded at Biotarget Dx LLC · NIH-11391299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A blood test is being developed to help tell whether lung nodules found on CT scans are cancer or not, aiming to spare patients unnecessary procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biotarget Dx LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $239,248 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3CA251139-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who are undergoing or have undergone LDCT screening for lung cancer and have indeterminate pulmonary nodules.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without indeterminate nodules or those not undergoing LDCT screening may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a blood-based biomarker test using microRNA signals to distinguish malignant from benign nodules detected during low-dose CT screening. The test would be used at baseline LDCT to guide follow-up decisions and reduce over-diagnosis. Researchers will collect and analyze plasma samples to identify a signature that separates cancer from non-cancer cases, then validate the test to ensure accuracy and usefulness in a real-world setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with suspicious nodules could receive faster, more accurate decisions and fewer unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Similar blood-based biomarkers have shown promise, but this test would be validated for use specifically with LDCT-detected nodules.
Where this research is happening
-
Biotarget Dx LLC
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Feng — Biotarget Dx LLC
- Study coordinator: Jiang, 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.