Using imaging and blood tests to improve glioma diagnosis and treatment monitoring
Official title: Imaging and Liquid Biopsy for Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10795020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test that looks for tiny particles released by brain tumor cells to help doctors better diagnose and track aggressive brain tumors called malignant gliomas, so patients can get more accurate information about their condition without needing risky tissue biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $578,593 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA239078-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malignant gliomas who require regular monitoring of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those who do not have gliomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and monitoring of malignant gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor. It aims to develop a minimally invasive blood test that analyzes extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles released by cells, to provide more accurate information about tumor presence and treatment response. By comparing this new blood test with traditional MRI imaging, the research seeks to enhance the reliability of glioma assessments while reducing the risks associated with tissue biopsies. Patients may benefit from more precise monitoring of their condition without the need for invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive methods for diagnosing and monitoring gliomas, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for various cancers, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balaj, Leonora — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Balaj, Leonora
Related research
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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.