Low-cost CRISPR-on-Paper Cervical Cancer Screening at the Point of Care
Official title: Low-Cost CRISPR-on-Paper for Cervical Cancer Screening at the Point of Care
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11524815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, inexpensive paper-based CRISPR test aims to quickly screen women for high-risk HPV genotypes right where they receive care, especially in low-resource settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $66,400 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA269147-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11524815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in LMICs or settings with limited laboratory infrastructure who need accessible HPV-based cervical cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in settings with adequate laboratory infrastructure and access to centralized HPV testing may not experience additional benefit beyond existing options.
What this research studies
This project develops a simple, rapid test that uses CRISPR technology on a disposable paper platform to detect multiple high-risk HPV types at the point of care. It combines an isothermal amplification method with CRISPR-based detection and uses a heat source from a hand warmer so no complex instruments are needed. Researchers will create a multiplexed, low-cost system that can deliver results at clinics or community sites in LMICs. The work focuses on making cervical cancer screening more accessible and faster for women who currently face barriers to centralized lab testing. If successful, it could streamline screening workflows and reduce delays between sampling and results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this test could provide rapid, affordable cervical cancer screening at the point of care, potentially catching precancerous changes sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AIOD-CRISPR approaches have shown promise in nucleic acid detection, with ongoing work to adapt them for point-of-care cervical cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Changchun — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Liu, Changchun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.