Precision DNA methylation test to reduce oral cancer disparities in African American patients in low-resource settings
Official title: Precision DNA methylation test to reduce oral cancer disparities in African Americans patients residing in low-resource settings
Funded at Lifegene-Biomarks, INC. · NIH-11337629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new DNA methylation test aims to improve oral cancer diagnosis accuracy for African American adults in underserved communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lifegene-Biomarks, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $900,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA281719-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
African American adults aged 21+ in low-resource settings who are at risk for or suspected of having OSCC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected OSCC or in settings with ready access to high-quality care may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on predicting and diagnosing oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma more accurately in African American adults who have limited access to high-quality care. The project will develop a DNA methylation-based test to help clinicians identify OSCC more reliably in real-world, low-resource settings. It involves collaboration with LIFEGENE-BIOMARKS, Inc. to validate the test in diverse patient samples and ensure it works in typical community clinics. If successful, the test could support earlier detection and better-tailored treatment decisions for those facing disparities in care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to earlier, more accurate OSCC diagnoses for African American patients in underserved areas, potentially improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows DNA methylation markers can aid cancer diagnosis, but disparities in OSCC require validation in underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Lifegene-Biomarks, INC.
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerrero-Preston, Rafael — Lifegene-Biomarks, INC.
- Study coordinator: Guerrero-Preston, Rafael
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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.