NIH-funded research R03 grant

Using blood tests to tailor treatment for lymphoma patients

Official title: Circulating tumor DNA guided de-escalation of frontline diffuse large B-cell lymphoma therapy

Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11045782 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a simple blood test can help doctors tailor treatment for people newly diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, so they can get the right amount of therapy to reduce side effects while still being effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$82,250
NIH project number5R03CA286676-02
Project IDNIH-11045782 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who are at an advanced stage and may be eligible for treatment de-escalation based on ctDNA analysis.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage DLBCL or those who do not have detectable ctDNA may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to guide the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). By analyzing ctDNA from blood samples, the study aims to identify patients who may benefit from a reduced treatment regimen, potentially decreasing side effects while maintaining effectiveness. The approach involves real-time assessment of molecular responses to therapy, which could lead to more personalized treatment plans. This innovative method seeks to improve patient outcomes by allowing for treatment de-escalation based on individual responses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to less intensive treatment for some lymphoma patients, reducing side effects while maintaining effective cancer control.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of ctDNA in DLBCL has shown promise in retrospective studies, this approach of real-time assessment for treatment de-escalation is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Columbia University Health Sciences
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cherng, Hua-Jay Jeffery — Columbia University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Cherng, Hua-Jay Jeffery

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.