Developing affordable cancer detection technologies for underserved communities
Official title: The Center for Innovation and Translation of Point of Care Technologies for Equitable Cancer Care (CITEC)
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10928771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new, easy-to-use tools that can help find cancer early, especially for people who might not have easy access to healthcare, so that everyone can get the care they need.
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 13, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U54EB034652-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from racial and ethnic minorities and other medically underserved communities who are at risk for various types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of underserved populations or those who do not have access to primary care services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating point-of-care technologies that can detect cancer early, especially in underserved populations. It aims to identify critical clinical needs and accelerate the development of effective and affordable cancer detection methods. The project will also evaluate the impact of these technologies in various healthcare settings and provide training for developers and healthcare providers to ensure equitable access. By addressing the barriers to early cancer detection, this initiative seeks to improve health outcomes for diverse communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accessible and effective cancer detection methods, ultimately reducing cancer-related deaths in underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing point-of-care technologies for other health conditions, indicating potential for similar advancements in cancer detection.
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.
-
Semi-autonomous surgeon-guided in situ robotic bioprinting for repairing volumetric muscle loss
A surgeon-guided robotic bioprinting system would print bioinks directly onto muscle injury sites to help restore function and appearance.
-
Center to Bring Quick Cancer Tests from Lab to Patients
A center is being built at Rice University to create and spread affordable, easy cancer tests that can be used in clinics and rural areas to catch cancer early.
-
Center for Innovation and Translation of Point-of-Care Cancer Tests to Reach More Patients
A center is being created to develop simple, low-cost point-of-care tests to detect cancers early, especially in low-resource settings, so more people can get timely care.
-
Point-of-care HPV DNA test to screen for cervical cancer in low-resource settings
A new HPV DNA test designed to be used at the point of care to screen for cervical cancer, especially in areas with limited medical infrastructure or rural settings.
-
Fast, easy HIV test that detects the virus early
This project is building a quick, instrument-free HIV-1 test that can detect the virus in blood or saliva earlier than current rapid tests for people at risk of recent exposure or possible viral rebound.
-
Deep profiling of how fusion-driven pediatric cancers spread, using single-cell protein tools
Researchers will develop fast, highly capable single-cell protein measurements to understand how certain pediatric cancers, like Ewing sarcoma, spread and evade the immune system.
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.