Creating tiny sensors that can detect colorectal cancer through breath analysis
Official title: Engineering ingestible nanosensors for breath-based detection of colorectal cancer
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11049598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy way to spot early signs of colorectal cancer by using tiny sensors that you can swallow, which check your breath for certain enzymes linked to tumors, making it a friendlier option than a colonoscopy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,866 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA289714-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for colorectal cancer, particularly those who are hesitant to undergo traditional screening methods like colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing ingestible nanosensors that can detect early-stage colorectal cancer by analyzing breath. The approach involves engineering these nanosensors to identify specific enzymes in the intestine that are linked to tumor development. By producing detectable signals in breath, this method aims to provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy, which many people avoid due to its invasive nature. The goal is to improve early detection rates and adherence to screening guidelines, ultimately reducing cancer-related deaths.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple and non-invasive method for early detection of colorectal cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of ingestible sensors is a novel approach, similar technologies in breath analysis have shown promise in other areas of cancer detection.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Leslie — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Chan, Leslie
Related research
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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.