NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Improving breast cancer diagnosis in low-income countries using advanced imaging techniques.

Official title: Breast core-needle diagnostics in LMICs via millifluidics and direct-to-digital imaging: development and validation in Ghana

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10881871 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new, easy-to-use system to help doctors in low- and middle-income countries quickly and accurately diagnose breast cancer using advanced technology, so patients can get the right treatment sooner.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startJuly 5, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$571,075
NIH project number5U01CA269191-02
Project IDNIH-10881871 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in low- and middle-income countries who are undergoing evaluation for breast cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients outside of low- and middle-income countries or those not requiring breast cancer diagnostics may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing breast cancer diagnosis in low- and middle-income countries by developing a new automated system that combines innovative technologies. It utilizes a millifluidics approach for handling core needle biopsies and a direct-to-digital imaging solution to produce high-quality histopathology images quickly and affordably. The goal is to provide timely and accurate diagnoses, which are crucial for effective treatment planning. Additionally, the project aims to implement AI tools for patient triage and local diagnostic support.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the speed and accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses in resource-limited settings, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have shown promise in improving diagnostic techniques in resource-limited settings, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • 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.

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.