Rapid, bedside KS diagnosis in Africa with KS-COMPLETE
Official title: Rapid Sample-to-Answer Diagnosis of Kaposi's Sarcoma Across Sub-Saharan Africa using KS-COMPLETE
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11535338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, point-of-care test using skin biopsies to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa, helping patients get results in about an hour.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $178,200 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA269199-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa who require biopsy-based diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected KS or in settings where biopsy is not feasible may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring a quick, easy-to-use diagnostic system to multiple sites in sub-Saharan Africa so clinicians can confirm KS at the point of care. It uses a direct-to-LAMP approach to quantify KS herpesvirus DNA from a skin punch biopsy, with a goal of delivering a result in roughly 60 minutes. The system, including the novel SLICER technology, is designed to work without extensive lab infrastructure. By validating KS-COMPLETE in real-world settings, it seeks to speed treatment decisions and reduce delays for people with suspected KS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive accurate KS diagnoses faster, leading to earlier treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous KS-related testing showed high sensitivity and specificity using KSHV DNA quantification on biopsies, and direct-to-LAMP approaches have improved point-of-care testing for other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, David Carl — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Erickson, David Carl
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Testing new therapies for pediatric and young adult sarcoma, kidney, and liver cancers
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Precision 3D Imaging to Monitor Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
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Precision 3D Imaging to Track Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D helps doctors monitor Kaposi sarcoma lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in settings with high KS burden like East Africa and in U.S. clinics with HIV patients.
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Kaposi Sarcoma care and research in Africa during ART era
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Kaposi Sarcoma in Africa: ART Era Research Network
A collaborative program in Africa and the United States will study Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV on ART to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
-
Pediatric Preclinical In Vivo Testing Center for Pediatric Sarcoma and Other Solid Tumors
A program uses mouse tumor models to identify promising drug candidates for children with sarcoma and other solid tumors.
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.