Fast CRISPR-based cervical cancer screening test
Composing CODAs to cervical cancer screening through an integrated CRISPR and fluorescent nucleic acid approach
['FUNDING_U01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11399239
This project develops a quick, low-cost CRISPR and fluorescence test to detect HPV and early cervical changes for women in low-resource clinics.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11399239 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team combines CRISPR molecular detection with a fluorescence anisotropy readout (called CODA) to produce automated nucleic acid results in under 30 minutes. They have validated the approach on human samples and are adapting the workflow and devices so clinicians and lab staff can use it at point-of-care sites. The plan includes operationalizing the test with partner clinics in Uganda and Ghana and incorporating local input to fit low-resource settings. Training, implementation, and real-world testing at those sites are part of the project.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women eligible for cervical cancer screening at partner clinics in low-resource settings (for example, screening-age women at sites in Uganda and Ghana).
Not a fit: People who already need immediate cancer treatment, have had a hysterectomy removing the cervix, or who are outside participating regions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this screening-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide same-day, affordable, and accurate HPV and precancer detection in clinics with limited lab capacity, helping catch disease earlier and reduce deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Other CRISPR-based diagnostic approaches have shown promising rapid detection of viral and cancer-related nucleic acids, but CODA's specific fluorescence anisotropy method and its operationalization for low-resource clinics are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CASTRO, CESAR M — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: CASTRO, CESAR M
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.