Low-cost, image-guided photodynamic therapy for oral lesions in low-resource settings
Official title: A comprehensive platform for low-cost screening and image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) of pre-malignant and malignant oral lesions in low resource settings
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-11621124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A field-tested system combines simple imaging with targeted light-based therapy to screen and treat pre-malignant and malignant oral lesions in low-resource areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $51,480 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA279862-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11621124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for oral cancer or with detectable premalignant or early-stage oral lesions in low-resource settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without oral lesions or those in settings where the system cannot be deployed may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will develop and validate a compact handheld system that uses fluorescence and white-light imaging to identify high-risk oral lesions and guide photodynamic therapy. It pairs an AI-powered cloud tool with an easy-to-use oral solution that activates a light-sensitive compound to treat identified lesions. The work progresses through device integration, performance testing with phantoms and 3D tumor models, and clinical collaboration with partners in India to address real-world needs. The team from three US sites brings optical imaging and PDT experience, aiming to deliver a low-cost solution suitable for settings with limited resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this platform could enable earlier detection and targeted treatment of oral cancer in underserved communities, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous related work demonstrated feasibility of low-cost imaging and PDT components, with ongoing validation in collaborative settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Celli, Jonathan P — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Celli, Jonathan P
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.