Using blood tests to diagnose and monitor brain tumors.
Official title: Circulating Cell-Free DNA as a Personalized Biomarker to Diagnose and Monitor Glioblastoma Extension
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10880079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with glioblastoma by testing a simple blood sample to find bits of tumor DNA, which could make it easier to diagnose the tumor and check if it comes back, all without needing any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $352,227 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA246183-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma or those at risk of recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who do not have glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, and aims to develop a non-invasive method for diagnosis and monitoring through the analysis of circulating cell-free DNA in the blood. By detecting tumor-derived DNA, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of diagnosing glioblastoma and identifying its recurrence without the need for invasive procedures. This approach could significantly enhance patient care by providing timely and accurate information about the tumor's status throughout the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive methods for diagnosing and monitoring glioblastoma, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for various cancers, but its application in glioblastoma remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Underhill, Hunter Reeve — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Underhill, Hunter Reeve
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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.