NIH-funded research Career grant

Using advanced machine learning to improve blood tests for detecting cancer

Official title: Advanced machine learning to empower ultra-sensitive liquid biopsy in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10881697 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to improve blood tests that check for cancer signals in people with melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, using advanced technology to catch things that regular tests might miss, so that doctors can better track how the cancer is doing and adjust treatments sooner for better results.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startJuly 4, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$292,597
NIH project number5K08CA263301-02
Project IDNIH-10881697 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the sensitivity of liquid biopsies, which are blood tests that detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. By employing whole genome sequencing and advanced machine learning techniques, the study aims to identify cancer signals that are often missed by traditional methods. The goal is to create a more accurate and timely way to monitor cancer progression and response to treatment, potentially allowing for earlier interventions and better patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring of cancer treatment, allowing for timely adjustments in therapy and improved patient survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced sequencing techniques for liquid biopsies, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer monitoring.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Widman, Adam — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Widman, Adam

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.