ECRF Announces First Seed-Funded Research Project
ECRF provides early-stage financial support for research exploring a less-invasive method for detecting endometrial cancer in women with Lynch syndrome.
October 2026
The Endometrial Cancer Research Foundation (ECRF) is proud to announce its first seed-funded research project, supporting Anicka AbiChedid, Ph.D., a candidate in the Cell and Molecular Biology program at Duke University School of Medicine, and her project, “Development of a Less-Invasive Screening Method for Endometrial Cancer.”
Seed funding provides early-stage financial support for research. By launching this initial research fund, ECRF fulfills its commitment to advancing research by directly supporting projects focused on endometrial cancer.
Development of a Less-Invasive Screening Method for Endometrial Cancer
Women with Lynch syndrome have an inherited genetic change that greatly increases their risk for developing endometrial cancer. The cancers arising from this disease have a telltale pattern of changes in their DNA called microsatellite instability (MSI).
To address these challenges, this project will use an ultra-sensitive DNA sequencing approach to detect MSI in blood samples.
Detecting MSI is important because it determines whether a person is eligible for immunotherapy, a life-saving cancer treatment. However, detecting these cancers is challenging, as current screening methods lack the sensitivity needed to detect early-stage cancers and are highly invasive.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop a less-invasive method for detecting endometrial cancer at an earlier stage for women with Lynch syndrome.
About the Researcher
Anicka AbiChedid is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cell and Molecular Biology program at Duke University. She is mentored by Dr. Christopher Counter, where she develops and applies ultra-sensitive DNA sequencing technologies to detect DNA mutations found in cancer cells.
Her research is driven by her passion for developing diagnostic technologies and for translating these tools from the laboratory into the clinic. Beyond her research, she is deeply engaged in entrepreneurship and science communication at Duke.
An Important First Step for ECRF Research
This award represents the beginning of ECRF’s direct investment in endometrial cancer research through seed funding.
As ECRF grows, we aim to build on this foundation by expanding our support from translational research today to larger, multicenter research projects and collaborations in the future.
Our commitment is made possible by the donors, partners, advocates, volunteers, and members of the ECRF Peach Community, whose support directly funds our mission and advances endometrial cancer research.