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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Provincial Health Services Authority NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vancouver, Canada) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $371,234 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA264798-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
-
Detecting cancer risk and treatment response in NF1 nerve tumors using cfDNA markers
A doctor-led study will test blood-based DNA markers to detect when NF1-related nerve tumors become malignant and to monitor how well treatment is working.
-
Epigenetic Basis for Controlling Aggressive IDH-Mutant Gliomas
Aims to understand and shape the epigenetic changes in IDH-mutant brain tumors to restrain their growth, which could lead to new, targeted treatment options for patients.
-
US–East Africa center to prevent and detect virus-linked cancers in people with HIV
This program builds a US–East Africa research network to train local investigators and improve prevention, earlier detection, and faster connection to care for virus-related cancers in people with HIV.
-
U.S.–East Africa program to prevent, detect early, and link people with HIV-related cancers to care
This program brings U.S. and East African teams together to help people with HIV by improving prevention, earlier detection, and faster connection to care for cancers linked to the virus.
-
U.S.–East Africa center to prevent and find HIV-related cancers and speed connection to care
This program builds a U.S.–East Africa team to improve prevention, earlier detection, and faster linkage to care for people with HIV at risk for cervical cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
-
Boosting TET Activity to Help Treat AML with Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help people with a type of blood cancer (AML) by boosting a natural anti-cancer pathway, potentially improving outcomes for adults with this disease.
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.