Using blood tests to detect cancer-causing mutations from environmental exposures
Official title: Leveraging mutational analysis of cell-free DNA to identify carcinogenic exposure and enable early detection of cancer
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11099951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create a simple blood test that can spot specific changes in your DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment, helping to catch cancer earlier without needing invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES036341-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to known carcinogens and are at risk for developing cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to environmental carcinogens or those with no risk factors for cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a blood-based tool that can identify specific mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) linked to exposure to environmental carcinogens like aflatoxin B1 and N-nitrosodimethylamine. By analyzing the unique mutational patterns that arise shortly after exposure, the study seeks to create a non-invasive method for early cancer detection. Patients will provide blood samples, which will be analyzed to detect these mutational fingerprints, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention. This approach addresses the current limitations of invasive tissue sampling and traditional DNA sequencing methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection of cancer, improving treatment outcomes for patients exposed to harmful environmental agents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mutational analysis for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fedeles, Bogdan I — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Fedeles, Bogdan I
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Methylation markers in self-samples to help detect gynecological cancers
This study tests whether self-collected urine and vaginal samples can reveal DNA methylation or other genetic markers that indicate endometrial, ovarian, vulvar, or vaginal cancers in women who are at risk or have postmenopausal bleeding.
-
Methylscape test in body fluids for multi-cancer detection in Colombia
A simple blood, urine, or saliva test called Methylscape is being tested to see if it can detect multiple cancers and identify where the signal is coming from, using people with cancer and healthy volunteers in Colombia.
-
Empowering patients to get lung cancer screening with support and navigation
This pilot study tests a patient navigation and education program to see if it helps adults who are eligible start and complete low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
-
Breast ultrasound screening for older women in community clinics
This study tests whether offering breast ultrasound to women aged 65–80 in local communities helps find breast cancers earlier than usual care.
-
Text reminders to boost colorectal cancer screening participation
A large group of people aged 50–69 in Vallès Occidental will be randomised to receive a reminder text message five weeks after an initial invitation, to see if it increases uptake of the FIT screening compared with the standard postal letter.
-
Menstrual cup for early detection of endometrial cancer in Lynch syndrome
This project will test whether using a menstrual cup can collect uterine lining samples that help detect early endometrial cancer in menstruating people who carry Lynch syndrome gene changes.
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.