3D skin imaging for Kaposi sarcoma
PRecision IMaging to Evaluate Kaposi Sarcoma (PRIME-KS)
This project will use a portable 3D camera with AI to measure Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions more precisely for patients in East Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have your Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions photographed with a handheld device called SkinScan3D that creates high-resolution 3D images showing lesion height and volume. Nurses and clinicians will help refine how the device is used during routine visits so it fits into busy clinics. The images and AI-generated measurements will be used to track response to treatment and reduce reliance on slow, manual measurements. The team plans to test the device at partner clinics in countries like Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya and improve the system based on real-world use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with visible cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions who receive care at participating clinics in East Africa and are willing to have lesion images taken are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with only internal (visceral) Kaposi sarcoma, those unable to reach participating clinics, or those not receiving skin-directed monitoring may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give more accurate, objective measurements of lesion size so treatments can be timed better and unnecessary chemotherapy exposure reduced.
How similar studies have performed: 3D imaging and AI have shown promise for measuring other skin conditions, but using the portable SkinScan3D specifically for Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa is a new application.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odeny, Thomas — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Odeny, Thomas
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 below.