Point-of-care esophageal cancer test for LMICs
Official title: Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer in LMICs
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11384345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, easy-to-use test uses a swallowable sponge and a portable chip to detect esophageal cancer markers in low-resource settings.
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) | $512,303 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA279866-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in LMICs at risk for esophageal squamous cell cancer who have limited access to traditional endoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at elevated risk or in settings without access to follow-up care may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring a noninvasive, rapid test to LMICs to detect esophageal squamous cell cancer earlier, using a swallowed sponge to collect cells and a pocket-sized chip to analyze DNA methylation. The test workflow is designed to work without specialized endoscopy or extensive lab facilities, so communities with limited healthcare access can screen high-risk patients. If successful, the approach could shorten time to diagnosis and help connect patients to treatment sooner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: In the best case, patients in resource-limited areas could be diagnosed earlier and linked to care, improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior noninvasive sampling and POC DNA methylation tests show promise; this combines them into a practical LMIC-ready platform.
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.