Low-cost, at-your-hands test to detect oral cancer early in low-resource settings
Official title: Development of an effective, low-cost, point-of-care early detection test for oral cancer in low resource settings
Funded at Vigilant Laboratories LLC · NIH-11401361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, inexpensive test using a cheek or mouth rinse could help people in low-resource areas find oral cancer early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vigilant Laboratories LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pinecrest, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA298389-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for oral cancer or presenting with symptoms or risk factors in low-resource settings.
✕Less likely to help
People without oral cancer risk factors or with conditions that do not affect the oral cavity may not benefit from this test.
What this research studies
This project aims to turn a three-biomarker oral rinse into a simple point-of-care strip test that can be used outside of advanced clinics. It uses CD44, total protein, and p16 markers plus a machine-learning model to flag people who may have oral cancer. The goal is a fast, noninvasive test that could be used in community health centers or at home with minimal equipment. The team plans to optimize the test strips and validate performance in real-world, low-resource settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could lead to earlier diagnosis and better survival for people with oral cancer in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show promising sensitivity and specificity, supporting further development and commercialization.
Where this research is happening
-
Vigilant Laboratories LLC
Pinecrest, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franzmann, Elizabeth J — Vigilant Laboratories LLC
- Study coordinator: Franzmann, Elizabeth J
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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.