New imaging technique for anal cancer screening
Official title: Probe-Based Light Sheet Microscopy (pLSM) for Screening of Anal Cancer
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11036694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique to help doctors better spot early signs of anal cancer, making it easier for them to diagnose and treat patients who have high-grade lesions that could lead to cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 13, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,835 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB036693-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for anal cancer, particularly those with a history of HSIL or other related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for anal cancer or those who have already been diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel, non-invasive imaging method called probe-based light sheet microscopy (pLSM) to improve the screening process for anal cancer. The study aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), which are precursors to anal cancer, by utilizing advanced imaging technology. By optimizing this technique for clinical applications, the researchers hope to provide clearer visualizations of tissue samples, making it easier for pathologists to diagnose anal cancer accurately. The project builds on previous findings that suggest early treatment of HSIL can significantly reduce the risk of developing anal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and efficient screening for anal cancer, ultimately reducing mortality rates associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy in other cancer types, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Dongkyun — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kang, Dongkyun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV+ MSM through screening and treatment of HSIL
This project tests a streamlined plan to prevent anal cancer in people living with HIV by screening for HSIL and treating it at clinics serving MSM.
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Preventing anal cancer in people living with HIV
A topical form of HIV protease inhibitors is being tried to clear precancerous anal changes in people living with HIV.
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Screening strategies to find anal cancer precursors in high-risk people
Researchers will study markers from DNA methylation and immune signals to better identify people at risk for anal cancer before it develops.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM through HSIL screening and treatment
This project tests a proven HSIL screening-and-treatment approach to prevent anal cancer in men living with HIV, using Ghana/Nigeria-based sites to learn how to implement it broadly.
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Better screening for anal cancer in people at higher risk
This project looks for biological and immune signals that could spot early precancerous changes in people at high risk for anal cancer.
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Screen-and-treat program to prevent anal cancer in people with HIV
This project offers regular anal screening and treatment to men who have sex with men living with HIV to lower their risk of anal cancer.
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.