AI-powered multimodal imaging to improve risk stratification of oral precancer
Official title: Advancing FTIR-based Multimodal Imaging with AI for Risk Stratification of Oral Precancer
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11431128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use an AI-enhanced imaging approach that combines FTIR biochemical fingerprints with tissue structure to better predict which oral precancerous lesions will become cancer in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $527,533 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE036248-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) who undergo tissue sampling and histological assessment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with benign conditions or lesions not progressing toward cancer may not gain direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will create an imaging system that fuses FTIR spectroscopy data with traditional histology images and uses machine learning to predict malignant transformation in oral potentially malignant disorders. By teaching AI to recognize biochemical and morphological patterns together, doctors may identify high-risk lesions earlier and tailor monitoring or treatment. The work involves collecting tissue samples, applying FTIR imaging, and training predictive models that integrate both data types. If successful, the approach could complement or surpass standard histology in risk assessment for oral precancer. The study is conducted at the University of Missouri–Kansas City under the supervision of Dr. Rong Wang and collaborators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with precancerous oral lesions could receive more accurate risk assessments and personalized monitoring or interventions to prevent cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for ML/DL in medical imaging, but combining FTIR with histology for OPMD risk is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Rong — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Wang, Rong
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.