KeyScope: Affordable laparoscopic cancer care for Uganda
Official title: KeyScope: The Key to Sustainable Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Uganda
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11535373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at making laparoscopic cancer surgery available in Uganda by developing low-cost, portable tools and a mentoring network to support local surgeons.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $128,844 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA269190-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with chest or abdominal cancers in Uganda or similar LMIC settings who could benefit from laparoscopic surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer treatment requires open surgery or who lack access to operating facilities that can support basic laparoscopic equipment.
What this research studies
This project focuses on bringing laparoscopic cancer surgery—common in richer countries but often unavailable in LMICs—to Uganda by creating affordable, easy-to-use equipment and a tele-mentoring system. The team plans to design a $150 laparoscope that plugs into a laptop, can be sterilized simply, and connects to remote experts for real-time guidance. They will also develop KeyLoop, a laparoscopic retractor that reduces the need for a constant power supply and expensive CO2, to enable safer, quicker surgeries. Together, KeyScope and KeyLoop form KeySuite, aiming to improve recovery, cut costs, and expand access for patients with chest and abdominal cancers. Training and capacity-building components will support local surgeons and biomedical staff to sustain the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in Uganda could access safer, faster cancer surgeries with shorter hospital stays and lower costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous LMIC-focused surgical innovation programs show promise when local training and appropriate technology are paired with mentorship.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzgerald, Tamara N — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Fitzgerald, Tamara N
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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.