Using AI to improve colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis in Africa
Official title: Leveraging artificial intelligence/machine learning-based technology to overcome specialized training and technology barriers for the diagnosis and prognostication of colorectal cancer in Africa
Funded at Aga Khan University (Kenya) · NIH-11105758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve how doctors diagnose and understand colorectal cancer in Africa by using smart computer technology to analyze images from tissue samples, making it easier to spot important details that can help guide treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aga Khan University (Kenya) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nairobi, Kenya) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,999 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA287852-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Africa who are at risk for or diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Africa or those with cancers other than colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Africa by utilizing an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) pipeline. The project focuses on automating the analysis of digital images from histopathology slides, which are crucial for cancer diagnosis. By identifying distinct regions in these images, the AI system can predict important diagnostic and prognostic features, ultimately guiding treatment decisions. The research involves collaboration between Aga Khan University and local hospitals in Kenya to ensure the approach is relevant and accessible to the population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the accuracy and speed of colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis in African populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research utilizing AI for cancer diagnosis has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Aga Khan University (Kenya)
Nairobi, Kenya Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saleh, Mansoor N — Aga Khan University (Kenya)
- Study coordinator: Saleh, Mansoor N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
-
Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults
A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.
-
Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs
A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
-
Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation
A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.
-
Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care
A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.
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.