Adapting flow cytometry to detect childhood leukemias in Kenya using a single-test screen
Official title: Adapting flow cytometry methods for early detection of acute hematologic malignancies in Kenya including the improvement of sample flow processes and technical training of personnel
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11622490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A low-cost, blood-based flow cytometry screen in Kenya aims to detect and triage suspected leukemias in children and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $283,555 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA278862-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11622490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young adults in Kenya with suspected leukemias or lymphomas who could benefit from a less invasive, blood-based screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not detectable by the proposed flow cytometry markers or those needing immediate comprehensive diagnostic workups may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will adapt existing flow cytometry methods to a single-tube peripheral blood test for initial leukemia screening in Kenya, reducing the need for invasive bone marrow procedures. It compares bone marrow and blood samples to validate a streamlined, affordable approach that can be performed near the patient. If a patient’s test suggests malignancy, only a small subset would undergo further testing. The effort includes training local personnel to perform and interpret the test, helping build local capacity for cancer diagnostics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more children and young adults in Kenya could receive faster, affordable leukemia screening closer to home.
How similar studies have gone: Previous flow cytometry efforts show promise in leukemia diagnostics, but this approach emphasizes a cheaper, blood-based single-tube screen applicable in low-resource settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vik, Terry a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Vik, Terry a
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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.