Telling whether CT-found lung nodules are cancer and where they started
Detecting and locating cancer for patients with CT-detected lung nodules
This project uses a blood-based DNA test to tell people with CT-detected lung nodules whether the nodules are dangerous cancers and to help locate the tumor's origin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192755 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will take a blood sample and run a new test called cfMethyl-Seq that reads DNA methylation patterns and other signals in cell-free DNA. The team combines methylation, fragment size, copy number changes, and microbial DNA in a single computer model called CancerRadar to try to tell cancerous nodules from harmless ones. They will compare results to standard CT findings and clinical follow-up and validate the approach using several groups of patients. The goal is to reduce false positives and better identify early aggressive lung cancers without invasive procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have lung nodules found on low-dose CT scans—especially current or former smokers—are the ideal candidates to consider for this work.
Not a fit: People without CT-detected lung nodules or whose tumors do not release detectable tumor DNA into blood are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help avoid unnecessary biopsies and find dangerous lung cancers earlier through a simple blood test.
How similar studies have performed: Related research on cell-free DNA methylation and fragment patterns has shown promising early results, but integrating multiple features for CT-nodule decision-making is still relatively new and needs clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine
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.