Faster, low-cost breast biopsy imaging for Ghana and similar countries
Breast core-needle diagnostics in LMICs via millifluidics and direct-to-digital imaging: development and validation in Ghana
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11392096
This project builds an automated, low-cost system that turns core-needle breast biopsies into quick digital images and uses rapid lab tests and AI to help diagnose and guide treatment in Ghana and other low-resource settings.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11392096 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, this project aims to let doctors process core-needle breast biopsies right at the clinic without making glass slides, using a hands-off millifluidics device and a low-cost direct-to-digital imager. It will add rapid immunofluorescence tests to give near-real-time information that could help choose therapies sooner. The team will develop AI tools for sample triage and local diagnostic support alongside the hardware. The combined instrument and software will be developed and validated in Ghana and partner sites to ensure the images and tests meet diagnostic needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in Ghana or similar low-resource settings who are undergoing a core-needle breast biopsy for a suspicious breast lesion.
Not a fit: People who require other biopsy types (such as excisional biopsies), are outside participating regions, or need only conventional pathology services may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide faster, cheaper, and more accessible breast cancer diagnoses and quicker treatment guidance at the time of biopsy.
How similar studies have performed: Digital slide-free imaging and AI tools have shown promise in other settings, but combining millifluidic biopsy handling, rapid immunofluorescence, and AI for use in LMICs is a novel approach that is still being validated.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEVENSON, RICHARD M. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: LEVENSON, RICHARD 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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cancer Staging, Cancers