Detecting HPV mRNA to assess cervical cancer risk in low-resource areas
Official title: Human papillomavirus mRNA detection for assessing cervical cancer risk in resource-limited settings
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10990166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy, and affordable test to quickly detect high-risk HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer, especially in places that don’t have access to regular screenings, so that women can get the help they need sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,474 |
| NIH project number | 1F99CA294262-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women in low-resource settings who are at risk for cervical cancer due to hrHPV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cervical cancer or those in high-resource settings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) mRNA, which is linked to cervical cancer risk. The approach aims to create a simple, cost-effective test that can be used in resource-limited settings where traditional screening methods are not available. By using both provider and self-collected cervical samples, the test will amplify hrHPV mRNA and provide real-time results with minimal user steps. This innovative method seeks to improve early detection and treatment of cervical cancer in underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cervical cancer screenings, reducing incidence and mortality rates in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that detecting hrHPV mRNA can be a more specific biomarker for cervical cancer risk, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Novak, Emilie Newsham — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Novak, Emilie Newsham
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.