Improving early detection of epithelial cancers using point-of-care technologies
Official title: The Center for Innovation and Translation of Point of Care Technologies for Equitable Cancer Care (CITEC) - Administrative Core
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10928775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools to help doctors find early signs of epithelial cancers, making it easier and faster for everyone to get screened and catch any issues early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $136,992 |
| NIH project number | 5U54EB034652-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for epithelial cancers, particularly those with a family history or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not arise from epithelial tissues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the early detection and screening of epithelial cancers, which account for a significant majority of cancer cases. It aims to develop and implement point-of-care (POC) technologies that can identify pre-cancerous lesions and early-stage cancers through innovative imaging tools and molecular sensors. The project will address various technical and clinical challenges to ensure these technologies are accessible and effective for all patients. By streamlining the development process, the initiative seeks to make cancer screening more equitable and efficient.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of epithelial cancers, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using point-of-care technologies for cancer detection, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.
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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.