Using blood tests to analyze DNA changes in brain tumors for better diagnosis
Official title: Establishing the clinical utility of cell-free tumor DNA methylation profiling as a reliable liquid biopsy approach in brain tumors
Funded at University Health Network · NIH-11052509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, simple way to check for brain tumors by analyzing DNA from your blood, so you won't need risky surgeries to get an accurate diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University Health Network NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,675 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA263196-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with suspected brain tumors who require accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-CNS tumors or those who do not have a suspected brain tumor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive method to diagnose brain tumors by analyzing cell-free tumor DNA methylation patterns found in blood samples. Currently, accurate diagnosis requires invasive brain surgery, which poses risks and causes anxiety for patients. By focusing on DNA methylation alterations rather than mutations, the study aims to improve the reliability of brain tumor diagnosis and monitoring without the need for repeated surgical procedures. This approach could lead to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more accurate method for diagnosing brain tumors, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsies for other cancers, but this specific approach focusing on brain tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zadeh, Gelareh — University Health Network
- Study coordinator: Zadeh, Gelareh
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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.