Developing a low-cost imaging device for diagnosing oral lesions in developing countries
Official title: Reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography (RCM-OCT) imaging of oral lesions: Toward an affordable device and approach for developing countries
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10904938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use handheld device that helps doctors quickly and painlessly check for oral cancer and other mouth issues, especially in places where such tests are hard to get.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $712,376 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275789-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in low-and-middle income countries who present with oral lesions and are at risk for oral cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have oral lesions or those living in high-income countries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an affordable handheld device that combines reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography to noninvasively diagnose oral lesions. By using this innovative imaging technology, the study aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing oral cancers and dysplasia, which is crucial in regions with high rates of oral cancer. The device will allow for real-time imaging of cellular structures and architectural changes in the oral cavity, reducing the need for painful biopsies and improving patient compliance. The approach is designed specifically for low-and-middle income countries where access to advanced diagnostic tools is limited.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance early detection and treatment of oral cancers, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in developing countries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using noninvasive imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajadhyaksha, Milind — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Rajadhyaksha, Milind
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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.