A mobile app to help detect oral cancer in at-risk individuals
Official title: OC-DETECT,A mHealth for CHWs can facilitate the task-shifting of intake, provide on-demand training, improve communication between CHWs and their supervisors, and support digital-enhanced referral
Funded at Benten Technologies, INC. · NIH-10258860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app called OC-DETECT that helps families in India screen for oral cancer by training younger members to take pictures of their loved ones' mouths, which experts will then review, making it easier for at-risk individuals to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benten Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manassas, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $300,618 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA261540-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10258860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in India who are at risk of oral cancer, particularly those with family members who can assist with screenings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to smartphones or are not at risk for oral cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops a mobile-based platform called OC-DETECT, designed to facilitate virtual screenings for oral cancer among individuals in India who are at risk. The app allows younger family members to receive on-demand training on how to conduct screenings and take images of the oral cavity, which are then reviewed by oral cancer experts. The platform also provides educational materials and supports referrals to specialists, enhancing communication between community health workers and families. By shifting the screening responsibility to family members, the project aims to improve access to care and follow-up for at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection of oral cancer, leading to better outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mobile health initiatives in India have shown promise in improving screening and detection of health conditions, suggesting a favorable outlook for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Benten Technologies, INC.
Manassas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Tony Xuyen — Benten Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ma, Tony Xuyen
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.