A new probe-based imaging tool to improve anal cancer screening
Official title: Probe-Based Light Sheet Microscopy (pLSM) for Screening of Anal Cancer
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11258523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 13, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $353,697 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB036693-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258523 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Dongkyun — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kang, Dongkyun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV+ MSM through screening and treatment of HSIL
This project tests a streamlined plan to prevent anal cancer in people living with HIV by screening for HSIL and treating it at clinics serving MSM.
-
Preventing anal cancer in people living with HIV
A topical form of HIV protease inhibitors is being tried to clear precancerous anal changes in people living with HIV.
-
Screening strategies to find anal cancer precursors in high-risk people
Researchers will study markers from DNA methylation and immune signals to better identify people at risk for anal cancer before it develops.
-
Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM through HSIL screening and treatment
This project tests a proven HSIL screening-and-treatment approach to prevent anal cancer in men living with HIV, using Ghana/Nigeria-based sites to learn how to implement it broadly.
-
Better screening for anal cancer in people at higher risk
This project looks for biological and immune signals that could spot early precancerous changes in people at high risk for anal cancer.
-
Screen-and-treat program to prevent anal cancer in people with HIV
This project offers regular anal screening and treatment to men who have sex with men living with HIV to lower their risk of anal cancer.
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.