Precision 3D imaging to improve Kaposi sarcoma care
PRecision IMaging to Evaluate Kaposi Sarcoma (PRIME-KS)
A portable 3D camera with built-in AI will be used to measure Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions more precisely for people getting KS care in East Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11400231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have your skin lesions photographed with a small portable 3D imaging device (SkinScan3D) that captures lesion height, area, and volume. The device combines liquid-lens optics and AI to turn images into objective size measurements rather than relying only on visual checks. Researchers will work directly with clinicians, nurses, and patients at clinics in East Africa to refine how the device is used and fit it into normal clinic visits. The aim is to make tracking response to therapy faster, less subjective, and more practical in busy clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with visible Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions who receive care at participating clinics in East Africa (for example, sites in Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, or Kenya).
Not a fit: People with only internal (visceral) Kaposi sarcoma, those not treated at participating clinics, or anyone unable to attend imaging visits would likely not benefit directly from this effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give your care team more accurate, objective measurements so treatment can be tailored and unnecessary chemotherapy exposure reduced.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior digital-photo and AI efforts have helped track skin lesions, but combining portable high-resolution 3D imaging with AI for Kaposi sarcoma is largely novel and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odeny, Thomas — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Odeny, Thomas
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 below.