Developing a low-cost capsule endoscope for early detection of esophageal cancer
Low Cost Tethered Capsule Endoscope with High-Resolution Digital Chromoscopy for Barrett's Screening
This study is working on a new, affordable capsule that can help doctors easily check for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer, especially in places where regular tests are too expensive or hard to get.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10876366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an affordable and high-resolution capsule endoscope designed to screen for Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The approach aims to make screening accessible in community settings and low-resource areas, where traditional endoscopy may not be feasible due to costs and infrastructure limitations. By improving early detection methods, the research seeks to enhance the ability of less experienced healthcare providers to identify Barrett's esophagus effectively. The project will leverage advanced imaging technology to ensure accurate diagnosis while reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Barrett's esophagus, particularly those with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other risk factors for esophageal cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have risk factors for Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection rates of esophageal cancer, leading to better patient outcomes and survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using capsule endoscopy for gastrointestinal conditions, but this specific approach for Barrett's esophagus detection is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.
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 below.