Using urine to detect liver cancer DNA
Official title: Impact of preanalytic procurement and processing variables on the detection of HCC DNA in urine
Funded at Baruch S. Blumberg Institute · NIH-11294338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Testing whether analyzing DNA in urine can help find and monitor hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in people with or at risk for liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baruch S. Blumberg Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Doylestown, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $332,488 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA275648-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with HCC or those at high risk for HCC (for example, people with cirrhosis or prior HCC) who can provide urine samples and medical records.
✕Less likely to help
People without liver cancer or those whose tumors do not release detectable DNA into urine may not receive benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would provide urine samples that researchers will collect and store using carefully tested methods so the genetic material that crosses from tumors into urine (transrenal DNA) is preserved. Lab teams will compare different collection and processing steps and then use sensitive genetic tests to look for HCC-specific DNA changes. They will compare urine results with current standards like blood AFP and imaging to see when urine testing reliably shows tumor presence or change. The goal is to make a simple, noninvasive urine test useful for more frequent surveillance and treatment monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow earlier, easier, and more frequent detection of recurrent or residual liver cancer using a simple urine test.
How similar studies have gone: Blood-based liquid biopsies are already used for many cancers; urine-based detection for HCC is less mature but early studies have shown promising signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
Doylestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Ying-Hsiu — Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
- Study coordinator: Su, Ying-Hsiu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Antiviral Therapy and HBV DNA Integration in Chronic Hepatitis B
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How urine DNA testing can improve detection of liver cancer
This study is looking at how to improve urine tests to better detect liver cancer, so patients can have a simpler and less invasive way to monitor their health compared to blood tests and scans.
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Using advanced gene editing to eliminate hepatitis B virus DNA
This study is exploring a new way to use gene editing to remove the hepatitis B virus from the liver, which could help people with chronic hepatitis B find a potential cure.
-
New liver-targeted antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B
This study is testing new antiviral medications that aim to help people with chronic hepatitis B by targeting the liver and boosting the immune system, with the hope of finding a better treatment option that is safer and more effective.
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.