Using biomarkers to manage uncertain lung nodules

Clinical Utility of Biomarkers Driven Management of Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11082330

This study is looking at whether using a special test to check for a biomarker can help doctors make better decisions about indeterminate lung nodules found during cancer screenings, so patients can avoid unnecessary procedures and get quicker diagnoses.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082330 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a biomarker-informed approach can improve the evaluation and management of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs), which are often found during lung cancer screenings. The study aims to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and speed up diagnosis by integrating clinical data with a specific biomarker assay and imaging features. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a standard care group or a group that receives biomarker results to guide their treatment decisions. The goal is to determine if this approach can effectively lower the risks associated with IPNs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with intermediate-risk indeterminate pulmonary nodules, specifically those with a 10-70% risk of lung cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with low-risk or high-risk pulmonary nodules, or those without any nodules, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive management of lung nodules, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarker-driven approaches for cancer diagnosis, suggesting potential success for this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.