A fast, affordable AI-enabled system to screen and guide treatment for cervical cancer in LMICs
Official title: A novel, one stop, affordable, point of care and artificial intelligence supported system of screening, triage and treatment selection for cervical cancer and precancer in the LMICs
Funded at International Agency for Res on Cancer · NIH-11535281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-assisted system will screen for cervical precancers and help choose the best treatment for women in low- and middle-income countries and the United States.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | International Agency for Res on Cancer NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lyon, France) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $301,188 |
| NIH project number | 3R37CA275824-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women who are screen-eligible for cervical cancer and precancer evaluation in LMICs and the USA, including those with hr-HPV and those undergoing initial screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to AI-enabled care or without cervical cancer risk factors may not be directly impacted.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test an AI-powered platform that analyzes urine-based signals and cervical images to detect high-risk HPV and identify high-grade precancer. It will be implemented in Zimbabwe and the USA to ensure the system works across diverse settings. The goal is to provide accurate, real-time screening, triage, and treatment recommendations to clinicians at the point of care. By simplifying decision-making and reducing reliance on specialized providers, this approach hopes to improve access to effective cervical cancer prevention and care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive quicker, more accurate screening and appropriate treatment decisions closer to home, reducing cervical cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AI-based cervical cancer screening approaches have shown promise, with ongoing work translating AI tools into clinical practice; this project extends that to LMIC settings with an integrated triage and treatment guidance component.
Where this research is happening
-
International Agency for Res on Cancer
Lyon, France Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basu, Partha — International Agency for Res on Cancer
- Study coordinator: Basu, Partha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer burden
A nurse or health team will test a community-based, digital strategy to help girls and young women, especially in rural areas, get HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer in women with HIV
A community- and digital-technology program aims to help girls and young women, including those with HIV, get more HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
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Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
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HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
A tested, community-driven program helps Ugandan women encourage their peers to get free VIA cervical cancer screening.
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.