A new method for cervical cancer screening using a topical treatment.
A Topical Plasmid-based Approach to Cervical Cancer Screening
This study is testing a new, easy way for women, especially those in rural Black communities, to check for cervical cancer at home using a special gel that helps spot cancer cells early without needing a doctor’s visit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11032021 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to cervical cancer screening by using a plasmid that is applied topically. The plasmid is designed to produce a reporter protein that can indicate the presence of cervical cancer cells, which overexpress a specific protein called Id1. The goal is to create a home-based screening method that is sensitive and accessible, particularly for women in rural Black communities who face barriers to traditional screening methods. By applying this plasmid to the cervix, it aims to provide a non-invasive way to detect cervical cancer early.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women over 21 years old, particularly those from rural Black communities who may have limited access to traditional cervical cancer screening.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or those who do not have access to the topical application method may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accessible and effective screening method for cervical cancer, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar methods using plasmids for cancer detection have shown promise in preliminary studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warram, Jason Morgan — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Warram, Jason Morgan
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.