Using blood tests to monitor treatment response in leiomyosarcoma patients

PROJECT 3: Applying Liquid Biopsy Technologies to Detect Clinical Response and Mechanisms of Resistance in the Treatment of LMS

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10911943

This study is looking at how a new blood test can help doctors better track how well treatments are working for people with leiomyosarcoma, a tough type of cancer, by checking for cancer DNA in the blood instead of needing more invasive procedures.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911943 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on leiomyosarcoma (LMS), a type of aggressive cancer, and aims to improve treatment monitoring through innovative blood tests known as liquid biopsies. By analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, the study seeks to understand how patients respond to chemotherapy and identify mechanisms of resistance that may lead to treatment failure. This approach allows for less invasive monitoring compared to traditional tumor biopsies, which often require surgery and anesthesia. The research will involve collecting blood samples from patients over time to track changes in ctDNA levels and correlate these with clinical outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with metastatic leiomyosarcoma who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic leiomyosarcoma or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring of treatment responses in LMS patients, potentially improving outcomes and personalizing therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using liquid biopsy technologies in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-13 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.