Using advanced imaging techniques to assess the risk of precancerous oral lesions

Decoding FTIR-based multimodal imaging for risk assessment of precancerous oral lesions

NIH-funded research University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11116278

This study is working on a new way to better diagnose and manage mouth lesions that could turn into cancer, using advanced imaging and technology to help doctors more accurately determine the risk for each patient.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11116278 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of oral mucosal lesions, particularly those that may lead to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It aims to develop a novel diagnostic platform that combines Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging, histological imaging, and spatial transcriptomics to provide a more accurate risk assessment for precancerous oral lesions. By utilizing machine learning and deep learning techniques, the study seeks to create predictive models that can objectively evaluate the risk of malignant transformation in individual cases. This approach addresses the limitations of current subjective histopathological methods, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) who are at risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma or those without any oral lesions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of precancerous oral lesions, improving treatment options and outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using multimodal imaging and machine learning techniques for cancer diagnosis, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, 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 Biology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.