Test to identify different types of lung cancer
Official title: Development of a lung cancer subtyping diagnostic
Funded at Orbit Genomics, INC. · NIH-11194291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a lab test that uses genetic data to identify specific lung cancer subtypes for people with pulmonary nodules found on CT scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Orbit Genomics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA291262-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with pulmonary nodules detected on low-dose CT scans or those undergoing diagnostic evaluation for suspected lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
People without lung nodules or those whose diagnosis is already definitive and does not require molecular subtyping are unlikely to gain direct benefit.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, this project will add subtype detection to an existing lung-nodule diagnostic so doctors can tell which kind of lung cancer a person likely has. The test analyzes genetic material from biopsy or blood samples and uses advanced algorithms to classify tumor subtype. The team is validating the approach using real patient samples collected at medical centers and aims to launch it as a lab-developed test. If adopted, it would be used alongside CT screening results to give clearer guidance about treatment and the need for biopsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help doctors choose the most appropriate treatments and avoid some unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have gone: Genomic classifier tests combined with AI have already shown promise in distinguishing benign from malignant lung nodules, but applying this approach specifically to detailed lung cancer subtyping is a newer extension.
Where this research is happening
-
Orbit Genomics, INC.
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garner, Harold R — Orbit Genomics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Garner, Harold R
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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.