Point-of-care saliva test for head and neck cancer using AI support
Official title: Integrated Multiomics Diagnostics at the Point of Care for Healthy Living
Funded at Innotech Precision Medicine, INC · NIH-11350268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new saliva-based test aims to quickly detect head and neck cancer at places like clinics, dental offices, or mobile clinics, with AI-assisted guidance to help clinicians decide next steps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innotech Precision Medicine, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | September 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $365,004 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DE035900-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including those in rural, military, or urban health-desert settings seeking fast, point-of-care screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to the specified point-of-care settings or whose cancer is already diagnosed or ruled out may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant describes a saliva-based, rapid diagnostic platform designed for use outside traditional hospitals, enabling nearby clinics to screen for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It combines genotypic and phenotypic biomarkers and delivers results in about 30 minutes using a disposable cartridge and a portable reader. Phase I focuses on prototyping, metadata capture, and developing initial algorithm frameworks, with AI decision support to come in Phase II. The approach targets communities with limited access to centralized diagnostic services to shorten time to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, decentralized screening and quicker start to treatment for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in rapid, point-of-care cancer diagnostics has shown promise, but this program aims to integrate saliva-based biomarkers with AI-driven decision support for HNSCC.
Where this research is happening
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Innotech Precision Medicine, INC
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khosravi-Far, Roya — Innotech Precision Medicine, INC
- Study coordinator: Khosravi-Far, Roya
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.