RBC-based test to detect early NSCLC using blood-derived tumor DNA
Official title: RBC-Based Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Tumor DNA in Resectable NSCLC
Funded at Senticell LLC · NIH-11409441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood test using red blood cells to find tumor DNA could help detect early non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Senticell LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA314866-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or diagnosed with early-stage NSCLC who could undergo blood-based testing and related clinical decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced disease or those not suitable for the proposed diagnostic pathway may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a proprietary RBC-based liquid biopsy that detects tumor DNA in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Researchers will study how RBCs bind and carry tumor DNA in both human samples and animal models to optimize sensitivity and scalability. The work focuses on creating a accurate, non-invasive test that could guide decisions around surgery, therapy timing, and detecting recurrences. If successful, the test could offer a practical tool to catch cancer earlier when treatment is most effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may benefit from a simple blood test to detect early lung cancer and monitor response to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests RBCs can bind tumor DNA, supporting feasibility, but translation to a robust early-detection test remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Senticell LLC
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangalmurti, Nilam S. — Senticell LLC
- Study coordinator: Mangalmurti, Nilam S.
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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.