A portable device to detect low white blood cell counts in cancer patients
Reducing the incidence of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy with PointCheck: a portable non-invasive neutropenia analyzer
This project is developing a new portable device called PointCheck to help cancer patients on chemotherapy monitor their white blood cell counts from home and prevent serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Leuko Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience a serious side effect called neutropenia, where their white blood cell count drops, making them vulnerable to severe infections. PointCheck is a non-invasive device designed to detect this condition early by looking at tiny blood vessels in your fingernail. The goal is for you to use this device at home to continuously monitor your blood counts between chemotherapy sessions. Early detection could help prevent serious infections and hospital stays.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This device is intended for cancer patients who are currently receiving chemotherapy and are at risk of developing low white blood cell counts.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing chemotherapy or those without a risk of neutropenia would not directly benefit from this specific device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening infections and hospitalizations for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous phases of this project have successfully validated a prototype of the PointCheck device in a proof-of-concept study with chemotherapy patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Leuko Labs, INC. — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro-Gonzalez, Carlos — Leuko Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Castro-Gonzalez, Carlos
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.