A tool to predict the risk of oral lesions turning into cancer
Official title: PROSPECT: Premalignant Oral Lesions Pathology and Epigenetic Risk Prediction Tool
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-10973136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use tool that uses smart technology to help doctors spot early signs of mouth lesions that could turn into cancer, making it especially helpful for patients in places where healthcare is hard to get.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $710,656 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293995-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with oral premalignant lesions who are at risk of developing oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without oral lesions or those who have already been diagnosed with advanced oral cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a minimally invasive tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify oral premalignant lesions at high risk of progressing to oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. By analyzing existing data and conducting a prospective study, the research aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing these lesions through a combination of cytology, histology, and epigenetic markers. The goal is to create a more reliable method for monitoring patients with oral lesions, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of patients at risk for oral cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI and biomarker approaches for cancer risk assessment, indicating potential success for this novel methodology.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viet, Chi T. — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Viet, Chi T.
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.