A DNA test to help reduce oral cancer disparities in African Americans living in low-resource areas
Official title: Precision DNA methylation test to reduce oral cancer disparities in African Americans patients residing in low-resource settings
Funded at Lifegene-Biomarks, INC. · NIH-11265166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a special DNA test to help doctors better diagnose and treat oral cancer in African American patients, especially those who may not have easy access to healthcare, so they can catch the disease earlier and improve their chances of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lifegene-Biomarks, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $912,858 |
| NIH project number | 4R44CA281719-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11265166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those with HPV-related oral cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a precision DNA methylation test aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among African American patients, particularly those in low-resource settings. The project seeks to address significant disparities in cancer outcomes by implementing targeted screening methods that can lead to earlier detection and better treatment options. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns, the research aims to enhance the accuracy of OSCC diagnoses, ultimately improving survival rates for affected individuals. The approach emphasizes the importance of equitable access to high-quality healthcare for marginalized populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes for African American patients with oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted screening and precision medicine approaches can effectively reduce health disparities in cancer outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Lifegene-Biomarks, INC.
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerrero-Preston, Rafael — Lifegene-Biomarks, INC.
- Study coordinator: Guerrero-Preston, Rafael
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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.