Rapid HPV DNA screening for cervical cancer in Mozambique
Sample-to-answer HPV DNA nucleic acid test for cervical cancer screening in Mozambique
This project will create an affordable, easy-to-use HPV DNA test that gives quick results to help women in Mozambique detect early cervical changes sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175490 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, the team is building a point-of-care HPV test that works without complex lab steps and can be used in local clinics. The test combines an extraction-free, multiplexed isothermal DNA amplification method with a handheld NATFlow device that shows results on a lateral flow strip. The goal is a low-cost, fast test that can be run where women already seek care so results are returned quickly. If successful, this would reduce the need to travel to distant labs or wait long periods for results.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women eligible for routine cervical cancer screening in Mozambique, especially those attending primary care clinics without access to lab-based HPV testing.
Not a fit: People already diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer or those needing tissue-based diagnostic procedures would not directly benefit from this screening-focused test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could enable same-day HPV screening and faster follow-up care, which may lower cervical cancer rates and deaths in underserved areas.
How similar studies have performed: Rapid nucleic acid HPV tests and other point-of-care NAAT approaches have shown promising accuracy in prior studies, though fully integrated NATFlow-style devices remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.
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.