Handheld imaging for checking and monitoring mouth lesions
Reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography (RCM-OCT) imaging of oral lesions: Toward an affordable device and approach for developing countries
Using a low-cost handheld device that takes detailed, noninvasive images of mouth lesions to help adults in low-income countries avoid unnecessary biopsies and find cancers earlier.
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 ID | NIH-11384192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds an affordable handheld device that combines two imaging methods (RCM and OCT) to capture both cellular detail at the surface and structural layers deeper in the mouth without cutting the tissue. Doctors will use the paired images plus a quantitative scoring algorithm to sort lesions into low-risk (watch or treat non-surgically) versus high-risk (biopsy or immediate treatment). The goal is to reduce painful, costly biopsies, improve follow-up, and catch cancers earlier by monitoring changes over time. Testing and refinement will occur in clinics, with a focus on low- and middle-income settings in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with visible mouth lesions—such as red or white patches, ulcers, or indeterminate biopsy results—especially those in low- and middle-income regions, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children under 21, people with clearly invasive cancer requiring immediate surgery, or patients whose lesions cannot be reached by the handheld probe may not benefit from this imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce painful and costly biopsies, improve early detection of oral cancer, and enable non-surgical monitoring of low-risk lesions.
How similar studies have performed: Individual RCM and OCT studies in skin and mucosa have shown promise, but a single handheld RCM-OCT device with a quantitative scoring algorithm for oral lesions is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajadhyaksha, Milind — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Rajadhyaksha, Milind
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.