# Novel metabolomic contrast probes for human lung cancer characterization

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $632,094

## Abstract

Novel metabolomic contrast probes for human lung cancer characterization
We identified preliminary proof-of-concept metabolomic markers for human LuCa from paired tissue and blood
serum samples from pre-symptomatic LuCA patients. The markers can be used as imaging probes for Luca
characterization. To validate the efficacy of the markers for classifying LuCa, we propose to evaluate and
enhance their capability as probes for LuCa detection and ultimately advance LuCa early-detection using
serum metabolomic markers. The project’s goal will be achieved through tasks in the following three specific
aims: 1) To evaluate the efficacy of tissue-serum LuCa MRS metabolomic probes identified in a successful
preliminary project, by comparison with an additional 200 pairs of tissue and serum specimens and 200 serum
samples from matched healthy controls, 2) To measure tissue-serum LuCa MRS metabolomic probes with
mass spectrometry (MS) and MS imaging (MSI) to associate the probes with LuCa pathologies and identify
serum MS LuCa probes, and 3) To test LuCa metabolomics probes using 200 serum samples collected before
LuCa detection and evaluate LuCa metabolomic probe health- and cost-effectiveness as compared to existing
advanced tests. The project’s goal is to identify a novel serum contrast probe able to contribute to LuCa early
disease detection at asymptomatic stages to overcome persistent challenges currently faced in the LuCa clinic.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10912679
- **Project number:** 5R01CA273010-03
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTIAN T FARRAR
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $632,094
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10912679

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10912679, Novel metabolomic contrast probes for human lung cancer characterization (5R01CA273010-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10912679. Licensed CC0.

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