Multi-Modal Micro-Endoscope for Early Cancer Detection
Official title: Multi-Modal, Multi-Depth, High Resolution Micro-Endoscope (M3D-HRME) for early cancer diagnostics
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11319320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new tiny, high-resolution imaging tool is being developed to help doctors detect cancer earlier in patients by showing tissue structure and blood vessels in high detail.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,736 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB038806-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients at risk for cancers where mucosal imaging is valuable, such as cervical or oral cavity cancers, could benefit from earlier detection methods if the device progresses to clinical use.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those not undergoing mucosal cancer screening may not directly benefit in early development stages.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a small, advanced endoscope that can image tissues at multiple depths in real time. It combines specialty micro-lenses and high-resolution imaging with additive manufacturing to produce a single, compact probe. The device can image both the outer tissue surface and the microvasculature just beneath it, potentially improving early cancer detection during routine exams. Researchers plan to test feasibility by fabricating prototypes and demonstrating imaging capabilities on tissue-like models. Real-world clinical use would come later if the technology proves feasible and beneficial for patients with cancers in regions like the cervix or head and neck.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technology could enable earlier and more accurate cancer detection through real-time, high-detail imaging at the point of care.
How similar studies have gone: Similar imaging approaches have shown promise, but this is an early feasibility effort for a novel multi-depth micro-endoscope.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tkaczyk, Tomasz S — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Tkaczyk, Tomasz S
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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.