Understanding pediatric cancers in low-income countries using affordable sequencing technology

Characterization of Diverse Pediatric Cancers in LMIC Using Low-Cost Nanopore Sequencing

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10945892

This study is working to make it easier and cheaper to diagnose childhood cancers, especially leukemia, in low and middle-income countries, so that kids can get better treatment and care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10945892 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of pediatric cancers in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) by utilizing low-cost nanopore sequencing technology. The project aims to characterize various types of childhood cancers, particularly acute leukemia, to enhance treatment outcomes for affected children. By integrating genomic sequencing into cancer diagnostics, the research seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities between high-income and low-income regions. The methodology involves collecting samples from pediatric patients and analyzing them using innovative sequencing techniques to provide accurate diagnoses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with various types of cancers, particularly those living in low and middle-income countries.

Not a fit: Patients living in high-income countries or those with cancers that are already well-diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for children with cancer in low-income countries by enabling timely and accurate diagnoses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that integrating genomic sequencing into cancer diagnostics can lead to improved outcomes, although this specific approach using low-cost nanopore sequencing is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer DiagnosticsCancersChildhood Cancer Treatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.