Using advanced technology to classify tiny particles from cancer cells for better diagnosis
Official title: Machine Learning-enabled Classification of Extracellular Vesicles Using Nanoplasmonic Microfluidics
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11177264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles released by cancer cells can help doctors find ovarian cancer earlier and more accurately, so patients can get the care they need sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00EB033857-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women at risk for or diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not at risk for ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on ovarian cancer, which often goes undetected until advanced stages due to a lack of reliable monitoring methods. The project aims to utilize advanced techniques to analyze extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cancer cells, which can serve as biomarkers for the disease. By employing machine learning algorithms and sensitive spectroscopy methods, the researchers will classify these EVs to improve diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. Patients may benefit from more accurate and earlier detection of their condition through this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of ovarian cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar techniques for cancer detection, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hisey, Colin Lee — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Hisey, Colin Lee
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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.