The University of Chicago Research Funding

• Principal Investigator: Mark Lingen, DDS, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology; Director of the Core Lab, General Clinical Research Center; Director of the Human Tissue Resource Center; Committee on Cancer Biology; and Committee on Molecular Medicine/MPMM at the University of Chicago
• Amount: $768,159
• Source: National Institutes of Health ARRA Funding
• Goal: To develop a comprehensive plan for a large multi-center clinical trial to determine the diagnostic accuracy of handheld oral cancer screening devices

• View the project details »

Summary

There's been a dentist in Lingen's family since 1894, including his father, who still practices dentistry in Chicago. Over the past few years, promising new oral cancer screening devices have been marketed to his father and other dentists.

As a cancer researcher as well as a dentist, Lingen wants to determine whether these devices actually help detect precancerous and/or cancerous lesions. "A rigorous evaluation of these devices would inform dental and medical professionals, third-party payers and the public regarding their value, cost effectiveness and appropriate use," he said.

The randomized controlled clinical trial will compare the diagnostic accuracy of three screening regiments: conventional oral and tactile exam; conventional exam plus the Velscope; and conventional exam plus the Trimara OCS 3000.

These handheld devices use fluorescence to detect changes in tissue and cost $3,000-$5,000. For his trial, Lingen chose two that appear to improve cancer detection when used by specialists. He plans to see whether the same is true for primary care providers, something that has never been tested.

"This trial will be particularly informative because it will be conducted both with patients in communities disproportionately affected by oral cancer and with patients similar to those found in private dental practices, who are less likely to develop oral cancer."

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Most cases are discovered late, and treating an advanced case can cost $250,000. "By catching pre-malignant and/or malignant lesions early, you not only improve morbidity and morality, but you save money," Lingen said.

This grant will cover the cost of planning and designing the rigorous trial. Lingen plans to apply for another NIH grant to cover the cost of conducting the trial. If funded, the trial would last five to ten years but yield some definite, long-lasting results.

by Greg Borzo

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, NIH Award number: 1RC1HD063610-01. For more information on NIH’s Recovery Act projects, visit .