NIH-funded research R37 grant

Using a blood test and imaging to detect germ cell tumors earlier and more accurately.

Official title: Integrating investigational miR371a-3p with conventional radiology imaging for earlier and more precise detection of active germ cell malignancy: A BCC/SWOG/S1823 secondary use of data collaboration.

Funded at Provincial Health Services Authority · NIH-10820385 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a special blood test to help doctors find out if germ cell tumors are coming back in patients who are being watched closely, so they can catch any problems earlier and improve treatment.

More Malignancy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionProvincial Health Services Authority
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Vancouver, Canada)
Project startApril 1, 2022
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$371,234
NIH project number5R37CA264798-03
Project IDNIH-10820385 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults with early-stage germ cell tumors who are currently under surveillance.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced-stage germ cell tumors or those not undergoing surveillance may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a specific biomarker, miR371a-3p, in conjunction with conventional radiology imaging to improve the detection of active germ cell malignancies. By analyzing blood samples and imaging data from patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials, the study aims to develop a predictive model that can identify tumor relapse more accurately and at an earlier stage. The approach focuses on patients with early-stage germ cell tumors who are under surveillance, leveraging existing clinical data to enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more precise detection of germ cell tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Provincial Health Services Authority
    Vancouver, Canada
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nappi, Lucia — Provincial Health Services Authority
  • Study coordinator: Nappi, Lucia

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.