New NIH Grant: Programmable Multiplexed Detection of Cell-free DNA Mutation for Liquid Biopsy — $415K at Unknown Institution
WHY IT MATTERS
For lung cancer patients, this blood-based test could enable earlier detection when treatment is most effective and reduce the need for invasive biopsies or repeated imaging scans.
Researchers are developing a new blood test that can detect tiny pieces of cancer DNA floating in the bloodstream to catch lung cancer early. Instead of invasive procedures like biopsies or CT scans, this simple blood test could help doctors find lung cancer sooner and monitor how well treatment is working. The National Institutes of Health is funding this $415,000 research project starting in 2026.
Project: Programmable Multiplexed Detection of Cell-free DNA Mutation for Liquid Biopsy PI: LIU, CHANGCHUN Institution: Unknown Institution Funding: $415K Start Date: 2026-05-06 Abstract: Abstract Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with early detection being critical for improving patient outcomes. Current diagnostic methods, including imaging and tissue biopsy, are often invasive, costly, and require specialized expertise. Liquid biopsy offers a promising alternative for noninvasive lung cancer screening by detecting circulating tumor biomarkers in blood. The detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) mutations enables early identification of lung cancer and assessment of treatment response. Especially, as highly effective targeted therapies b