AI-assisted microendoscope to find esophageal cancer early
Official title: AI-Assisted Microendoscopy for the Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11397207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a small, high-resolution endoscope plus artificial intelligence to help doctors spot early esophageal squamous cell cancer in people at risk, especially where screening is scarce.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2014 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $24,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA181275-09S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing screening or surveillance for esophageal squamous cell neoplasia, particularly people in high-risk or underserved regions, are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot undergo endoscopy, those screened for non-squamous esophageal conditions, or patients whose care does not include endoscopic imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
If I'm getting screened for esophageal squamous cell neoplasia, this project uses a small, mobile high-resolution microendoscope to take images inside the esophagus. Those images are analyzed by deep-learning AI software that highlights suspicious areas to help guide biopsies. The team has already completed a randomized clinical trial in the U.S. and China (n=918) and a pilot trial in Brazil (n=41) and has developed and validated automated detection algorithms. The aim is to reduce false positives and unnecessary biopsies, making screening faster, cheaper, and safer in underserved regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce unnecessary biopsies and help catch esophageal cancer earlier, improving outcomes and lowering screening costs.
How similar studies have gone: The team completed a randomized trial showing improved specificity with expert visual use of the device and developed validated AI algorithms, indicating promising prior results.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anandasabapathy, Sharmila — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Anandasabapathy, Sharmila
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AI-assisted microendoscopy to find esophageal cancer early
This project uses a small, high-resolution endoscope plus AI to help doctors spot early esophageal cancer in people at risk, especially where screening is limited.
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.