Using a blood test to predict the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma linked to Epstein-Barr virus
Official title: Epstein-Barr virus EBNA1 IgA as a biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk prediction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10987599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific antibody in the blood that might help identify people at high risk for nasopharyngeal cancer, especially in Southeast Asians and immigrant Chinese communities, so we can catch the disease earlier and improve treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033551-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults from Southeast Asian or immigrant Chinese backgrounds who may be at higher risk for developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to high-risk populations or those who have already been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific antibody (EBNA1 IgA) as a potential biomarker for predicting the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in individuals, particularly in high-risk populations such as Southeast Asians and immigrant Chinese communities. The study aims to identify individuals at high risk for NPC several years before the disease manifests, using blood samples to measure antibody levels. By analyzing these biomarkers, the research seeks to improve early detection and screening methods for NPC, which could lead to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, allowing for timely intervention and improved survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar biomarkers for early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shair, Kathy — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shair, Kathy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
EBV-targeting immune T cells and checkpoint immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer
This project looks at how EBV-specific T cells change during combination checkpoint immunotherapy and whether those changes relate to outcomes for people with EBV-driven nasopharyngeal cancer.
-
Identifying a blood marker for nasopharyngeal cancer risk
This project looks for a specific antibody in blood that could tell us who might be at higher risk for developing nasopharyngeal cancer, especially in certain communities.
-
Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
A study explores whether Epstein-Barr virus could cause a type of eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
-
Glutamine and macrophage behavior in liver cancer
A funded project at a medical university aims to understand how the liver’s immune cells interact with a specific type of liver cancer by looking at metabolism, especially glutamine and ammonia.
-
Understanding bladder cancer biology to find new biomarkers and therapies
A study at Tuskegee University will look at the molecules inside high-grade bladder cancer to discover new markers and potential treatment targets.
-
Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity
This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.
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.