A new tool for early detection of head and neck cancer in low-resource areas
RAPID System for Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancer in Low-Resource Settings
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use tool called RAPID that helps quickly find signs of head and neck cancers, especially in communities that don’t have good access to regular screenings, so that people can get diagnosed earlier and have better chances of treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11019780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable diagnostic tool called RAPID, which uses advanced nanotechnology to detect biomarkers associated with head and neck cancers. The approach combines a non-invasive biopsy method with a rapid analysis system, allowing for quick and accurate cancer detection in underserved communities. By utilizing ultrabright surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology, the tool aims to provide accessible cancer screening where traditional methods are lacking. The goal is to improve early detection rates and ultimately reduce cancer-related mortality in these high-risk populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in low-income or underserved communities who are at risk for head and neck cancers due to factors like smoking or HPV infection.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have risk factors for head and neck cancers or those who have access to existing diagnostic tools may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection of head and neck cancers, leading to better survival rates for patients in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using nanotechnology for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in diagnostic capabilities.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vo-Dinh, Tuan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Vo-Dinh, Tuan
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.