A new probe-based imaging tool to improve anal cancer screening
Probe-Based Light Sheet Microscopy (pLSM) for Screening of Anal Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · NIH-11258523
This project tries a new, non-invasive probe that images anal tissue to find precancerous and cancerous changes in people at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TUCSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258523 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm at risk for anal cancer, this project uses a tiny probe with light-sheet imaging to look at anal tissue without major surgery. The team has already imaged fresh anal biopsy samples in the lab and found the images show the same tissue patterns pathologists use to spot precancerous changes. They plan to adapt the bench-top method into a probe suitable for clinic use and to pair images with computer algorithms to help with interpretation. The goal is faster, clearer results so screening and treatment decisions can happen sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at higher risk for anal cancer, such as those with prior high-grade anal precancer (HSIL), HIV infection, or other known risk factors.
Not a fit: People at low risk for anal cancer or those whose care already relies on standard biopsy and pathology may not get direct benefit from this imaging tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make screening faster and more accurate, helping detect precancerous lesions earlier and lowering the chance of developing anal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab work with a bench-top light sheet microscope imaged 110 fresh anal biopsies and showed clear tissue features used by pathologists, but adapting probe-based light sheet imaging for clinical screening is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
TUCSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA — TUCSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KANG, DONGKYUN — UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- Study coordinator: KANG, DONGKYUN
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.
Conditions: Anal Cancer, Anus Cancer