Point-of-care esophageal cancer detection in low- and middle-income countries
Official title: Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer in LMICs
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11535323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher-led effort to use a swallowable sponge and a portable chip to detect DNA methylation markers of esophageal cancer right where patients live, helping people in LMICs get quick results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $62,247 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA279866-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in LMICs who could benefit from a non-invasive screening test.
✕Less likely to help
People without risk factors for ESCC or in settings where the test cannot be practically implemented may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to simplify early ESCC detection in low-resource settings by using a swallowable sponge to collect esophageal cells and a small magnetic chip to process and test DNA methylation at the point of care. The approach is designed to be used without advanced endoscopy and without extensive medical training, so testing can occur in remote clinics. The study focuses on developing and validating a fast, safe, and locally operable diagnostic workflow to identify high-risk patients for timely referral and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in LMICs could receive faster and more accessible ESCC screening and referral, potentially improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Past work supports the feasibility of non-invasive methylation-based markers; this study advances a portable, field-ready workflow in LMICs.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meltzer, Stephen J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Meltzer, Stephen 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.