A device to monitor cancer patients for low white blood cell counts at home
Reducing the incidence of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy with PointCheck: a portable non-invasive neutropenia analyzer
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device called PointCheck that helps cancer patients on chemotherapy check their white blood cell counts at home, so they can catch any serious drops in their levels early and stay safe from infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Leuko Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911683 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing PointCheck, a portable, non-invasive device that allows cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to monitor their white blood cell counts from home. By using optical imaging technology, PointCheck can detect severe neutropenia, a condition that increases the risk of serious infections, without the need for blood samples. This enables early intervention and helps prevent complications associated with chemotherapy. The device is designed to be user-friendly, allowing patients to self-administer the monitoring process between treatment sessions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who are at risk of developing neutropenia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with stable blood counts may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections and hospitalizations in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive monitoring technologies for health conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Leuko Labs, INC. — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro-Gonzalez, Carlos — Leuko Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Castro-Gonzalez, Carlos
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.