3D skin imaging for Kaposi sarcoma care
PRecision IMaging to Evaluate Kaposi Sarcoma (PRIME-KS)
This project will use a portable 3D imaging device with AI to measure Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions more accurately for people receiving treatment 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-11400582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have your skin lesions photographed with a small, handheld SkinScan3D device that creates high-resolution 3D pictures showing lesion height and volume. The images are processed by AI to give objective, repeatable measurements instead of relying only on visual estimates. Clinicians, nurses, and patients will help refine how the device is used in routine clinic visits so it fits busy care settings. The goal is to integrate the device into local workflows at participating clinics in East Africa.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with visible Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions who receive care at participating clinics in Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, or Kenya.
Not a fit: People who have only internal (visceral) Kaposi sarcoma, no visible skin lesions, or who cannot attend participating clinics are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide faster, more objective measurements of KS lesions to guide treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary chemotherapy exposure.
How similar studies have performed: AI and 3D imaging approaches have shown promise in dermatology for lesion measurement, but using a portable liquid-lens 3D system specifically for Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa is novel and not yet tested at scale.
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.