Using lung fluid to better understand lung cancer

Liquid biopsy of the lung to profile lung cancer

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10928159

This study is looking at a gentle lung washing procedure to see if it can help doctors find important information about lung cancer more easily and safely, so they can provide better care for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928159 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a procedure that washes the lungs, to collect genomic and cellular biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Traditional biopsy methods often yield insufficient tissue for accurate molecular profiling, leading to delays in care. By analyzing the fluid obtained from BAL, the study aims to improve the understanding of lung cancer biology and enhance treatment strategies. This approach could provide a safer and more effective means of gathering necessary information for managing lung cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with lung cancer who require molecular profiling for optimal treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer who are not undergoing bronchoscopy or those with non-cancerous lung conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely lung cancer diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance cancer diagnostics, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.