Developing a quick and affordable HPV test for cervical cancer screening in Mozambique
Official title: Sample-to-answer HPV DNA nucleic acid test for cervical cancer screening in Mozambique
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10950476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple and affordable test for HPV that can be used right in the doctor's office to help screen for cervical cancer in places like Mozambique, making it easier for more women to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| 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, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $585,943 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA292741-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those at risk for cervical cancer due to limited access to screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in high-income countries with established cervical cancer screening programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a point-of-care HPV DNA test that can be used for cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Mozambique. The approach involves developing a novel, extraction-free, multiplexed nucleic acid amplification assay integrated with a lateral flow detection platform called NATFlow. This test is designed to be low-cost, rapid, and easy to use, addressing the barriers of traditional HPV testing methods that require extensive lab infrastructure and trained personnel. By improving access to effective screening, the project seeks to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance cervical cancer screening accessibility and early detection in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in developing point-of-care tests for various conditions, indicating potential for this novel approach in cervical cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.
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.
-
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.
-
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.