Low-cost AI imaging to detect mouth cancer early

Point of Care Detection and Diagnosis of Oral Cancer using a Low Cost Imaging Module enabled by AI

['FUNDING_U01'] · GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC · NIH-11398003

A portable, affordable AI-enabled imaging tool that screens people for oral (mouth) cancer and helps get those with suspicious findings referred to care quickly.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGE MEDICAL SYSTEMS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NISKAYUNA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11398003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From your point of view, a small device would be used to collect a simple brush biopsy from a mouth sore or suspicious area and scan the sample on-site. The scanned images are sent to the cloud where an AI algorithm and remote pathologists review them to give a rapid result. If the result looks concerning, the program aims to create an immediate referral pathway so you can see a specialist sooner. The project focuses on use in community and rural clinics where access to pathology services is limited.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with mouth sores, lumps, red/white patches, or other suspicious oral lesions—especially those living in rural or underserved communities and willing to provide a brush biopsy sample—would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without any suspicious oral lesions or those who cannot or will not provide a brush biopsy sample or access local participating clinics are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to much earlier detection of oral cancer and faster access to treatment for people in underserved areas.

How similar studies have performed: Related telecytology and AI-assisted pathology approaches have shown promise for cancer screening, but this low-cost, point-of-care combination for oral cancer is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

NISKAYUNA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.