AI-assisted Microendoscopy for early esophageal cancer detection
Official title: AI-Assisted Microendoscopy for the Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11413535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Baylor College of Medicine team is testing a mobile, AI-driven microscopic imaging tool to help screen for early esophageal cancer in regions with limited screening capacity.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $533,572 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA181275-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for esophageal squamous cell neoplasia, especially in regions with limited endoscopy capacity, may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not at risk for esophageal neoplasia or those in settings without access to the endoscopy workflow described may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a high-resolution mobile microendoscope along with AI-powered analysis to identify precancerous and cancerous esophageal lesions during screening and surveillance. It builds on prior trials including a large international study and a smaller Brazil pilot, improving how doctors interpret images with automated software. If successful, the approach could reduce unnecessary biopsies and make screening safer and more accessible in underserved areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more accurate screening that lowers unnecessary procedures and improves early detection of esophageal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior large randomized trials showed improved specificity with expert interpretation and AI-assisted approaches, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcguire, Amy L — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mcguire, Amy L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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AI-assisted microendoscope to find esophageal cancer early
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.
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.