Improving cervical cancer screening using a new CRISPR-based technology
Official title: Composing CODAs to cervical cancer screening through an integrated CRISPR and fluorescent nucleic acid approach
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10870008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use technology that helps doctors quickly check for cervical cancer in women in Uganda and Ghana, aiming to improve screening in places where it's really needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $527,535 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA279858-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women living in sub-Saharan Africa who are eligible for cervical cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of sub-Saharan Africa or those who are not eligible for cervical cancer screening may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance cervical cancer screening in low-and-middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where screening rates are alarmingly low. The team has developed a novel technology called CRISPR Optical Detection of Anisotropy (CODA), which combines gene editing techniques with fluorescence to quickly and accurately detect cervical cancer markers. The method is designed to be user-friendly and can provide results in under 30 minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care settings. The project will focus on implementing this technology in Uganda and Ghana, ensuring that local healthcare providers can effectively use it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates and early detection, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using CRISPR technology for diagnostic purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro, Cesar M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Castro, Cesar M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
-
HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
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.