AI-powered miRNA test to tell oral cancer from benign leukoplakia without surgery
Official title: Use of neural networks and deep learning to construct a miRNA classifier to differentiate with high accuracy and noninvasively oral squamous cell carcinoma from benign leukoplakia
Funded at Arphion, LTD · NIH-11314925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive brush-based test using artificial intelligence analyzes tiny RNA patterns to distinguish oral cancer from benign oral lesions, helping people avoid delays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arphion, LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | September 7, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $309,391 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA302214-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected or confirmed oral lesions (e.g., leukoplakia or OSCC) who could be candidates for noninvasive testing.
✕Less likely to help
People without oral lesions or whose lesions do not show differentiating miRNA patterns may not benefit from this test.
What this research studies
This project aims to refine a brush-based tissue collection method and use machine learning, including neural networks, to accurately separate oral squamous cell carcinoma from benign leukoplakia. Researchers will build and test models on a large set of brush biopsy samples to see if miRNA patterns can serve as a reliable early diagnostic tool. If successful, this could lead to a noninvasive test that supports earlier treatment decisions for patients with oral lesions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier, noninvasive detection of oral cancer, potentially improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests miRNA signatures can differentiate OSCC from benign lesions, but large-scale validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Arphion, LTD
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolokythas, Antonia — Arphion, LTD
- Study coordinator: Kolokythas, Antonia
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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.