Using blood tests to improve detection and monitoring of glioma
Official title: Circulating cell-free DNA methylation as an accurate tool for detection and clinical follow-up of glioma
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-11042239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how analyzing DNA from your blood can help doctors better detect and track brain tumors called gliomas, making it easier to monitor your condition without needing invasive tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $578,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas who are undergoing treatment or follow-up care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-glioma brain tumors or those not undergoing treatment for gliomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of blood-derived cell-free DNA methylation markers to enhance the detection and monitoring of gliomas, a type of brain tumor. By analyzing DNA from blood samples, the study aims to provide a more accurate method for identifying tumor progression and response to treatment compared to traditional imaging techniques. This approach seeks to minimize the need for invasive procedures and improve real-time surveillance of glioma patients. The ultimate goal is to refine treatment strategies based on the molecular profile of the tumor as indicated by the blood tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive monitoring of glioma progression, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using liquid biopsy techniques for cancer monitoring, suggesting that this approach could be effective for gliomas as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noushmehr, Houtan — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Noushmehr, Houtan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
-
How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
-
Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
-
Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.