Testing new biomarkers to improve thyroid cancer diagnosis
Official title: Validation of epigenomic biomarkers for thyroid cancer diagnostics
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10991407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new DNA test that looks at specific patterns to help doctors tell the difference between harmless and cancerous thyroid nodules, so patients can avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $819,119 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA241845-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with thyroid nodules that are indeterminate or suspected to be cancerous.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone thyroid surgery or do not have thyroid nodules may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and validating epigenomic biomarkers to better distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Currently, many patients undergo unnecessary thyroid surgeries due to challenges in accurately diagnosing these nodules before surgery. The study aims to rigorously test a new epigenetic test that analyzes DNA methylation patterns, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduce the number of unnecessary thyroidectomies. By improving the diagnostic process, the research seeks to enhance clinical decision-making and patient management for those with thyroid nodules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary thyroid surgeries and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using epigenetic markers for cancer diagnostics, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in thyroid cancer diagnosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, Maria — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Hahn, Maria
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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.