Using blood tests to understand glioblastoma tumors and their outcomes
Official title: Cell-Free DNA Methylation Patterns as a Biomarker for Tumor Biology and Clinical Outcomes for Glioblastoma Patients
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10950255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA from your blood can help doctors better understand and track glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, without needing to do invasive procedures, which could lead to better treatment plans for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,586 |
| NIH project number | 1K38CA292995-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing treatment or monitoring for their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of cell-free DNA methylation patterns found in blood samples as a non-invasive biomarker for glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. By analyzing these patterns, the study aims to improve the understanding of tumor biology and enhance the ability to monitor treatment responses without the need for invasive biopsies. The approach focuses on correlating changes in blood-based biomarkers with clinical outcomes, potentially leading to better risk stratification and treatment strategies for patients. This could help in distinguishing between actual tumor progression and treatment-related changes, thereby improving patient management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive method for monitoring glioblastoma, leading to improved treatment decisions and outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker in other cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaios, Eugene — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Vaios, Eugene
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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.