CODA-based cervical cancer screening at point-of-care in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Composing CODAs to cervical cancer screening through an integrated CRISPR and fluorescent nucleic acid approach
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11408807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly test using a CRISPR-based method called CODA to help clinicians screen for cervical cancer in low-resource settings like Uganda and Ghana.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $267,395 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA279858-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408807 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in sub-Saharan Africa who are eligible for cervical cancer screening and are served by partner sites in Uganda and Ghana.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in settings without access to the CODA platform or without proper follow-up pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project adapts a frugal CODA technology that uses CRISPR and fluorescent readouts to detect cervical cancer markers quickly at the point of care. It aims to make screening feasible in clinics with limited lab infrastructure by delivering results in under 30 minutes. The team will work with local partners in LMICs to ensure the approach fits real-world needs and workflows for clinicians and patients. The ultimate goal is to expand access to reliable HPV-related and CIN2+ detection where screening is currently very low. Outcomes could include simpler equipment, faster turnaround, and improved referral pathways for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in LMICs could receive faster, more accessible screening leading to earlier detection and better chances of cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous lab validation showed robust detection in human specimens, but real-world LMIC field deployment is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro, Cesar M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Castro, Cesar M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
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.