A new test for early detection of esophageal cancer using a swallowable capsule.
Official title: An accurate, affordable, and transferable assay for minimally invasive detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Africa and the United States
Funded at Capsulomics, LLC · NIH-10921933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple and affordable test that uses a swallowable sponge to check for early signs of esophageal cancer, making it easier for people in the U.S. and Uganda to get diagnosed and treated sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Capsulomics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $885,000 |
| NIH project number | 2R42CA261376-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10921933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for esophageal cancer, particularly those in low- to moderate-income countries and those with symptoms suggestive of esophageal issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of esophageal cancer or those who do not meet the risk criteria for ESCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost and accurate diagnostic test for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using a noninvasive swallowable sponge-capsule device. The test utilizes specific DNA biomarkers from esophageal cells to detect cancer at an early stage, which is crucial for improving survival rates. The project aims to validate this diagnostic method through extensive testing and to make it accessible in both the United States and Uganda, addressing a significant healthcare need in low- to moderate-income countries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of esophageal cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar noninvasive diagnostic approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Capsulomics, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laun, Sarah — Capsulomics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Laun, Sarah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding and treating a specific type of esophageal cancer with high NRF2 levels
This study is looking at a specific type of esophageal cancer that has high levels of a protein called NRF2, which might help the cancer grow, and the researchers want to find ways to block this protein to create better treatments for patients.
-
Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
A study explores whether Epstein-Barr virus could cause a type of eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
-
Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity
This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.
-
Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer
A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.
-
Targeting PIPKIγi5 to boost immune responses against head and neck cancer
A study to see if blocking a specific enzyme, PIPKIγi5, can make head and neck cancer more visible to the immune system and more responsive to existing immunotherapies.
-
Targeted approaches for lung squamous cell carcinoma with key gene changes
A study at a major university is exploring new targets in lung squamous cell carcinoma to help people with this cancer find better treatments.
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.