Rice University, a beacon of innovation and research in Houston, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative that could transform the landscape of cancer surgery. In a monumental stride for medical technology, a Rice University-led research team has secured up to $18 million in funding over five years from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). This funding will support the development and validation of a pioneering system known as AccessPath, designed to enhance the accuracy of tumor removal in breast, head, and neck cancers.

A Game-Changer in Surgical Oncology

AccessPath is set to be a revolutionary tool in the fight against cancer, particularly in surgical oncology. The system, which is both innovative and cost-effective, will allow surgeons to determine with greater precision whether they have completely removed a tumor during surgery. This is achieved through rapid, automated classification of tumor margins— the critical boundary where cancerous tissue meets healthy tissue.

Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum, a distinguished bioengineering professor and director of the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, is the lead principal investigator (PI) for this transformative project. "With its low cost, high speed, and automated analysis, AccessPath has the potential to revolutionize real-time surgical guidance," said Richards-Kortum. "This could vastly expand the availability of accurate intraoperative tumor margin assessment, improving outcomes for all cancer surgery patients."

Addressing a Critical Need in Cancer Treatment

Nearly 2 million Americans face a new cancer diagnosis each year, with many undergoing surgery to remove solid tumors. A persistent challenge in these procedures is determining the precise boundary of the tumor to ensure all cancerous cells are removed. This difficulty often leads to multiple surgeries, increased healthcare costs, and added emotional strain for patients.

"Precise margin assessment is essential for the success of any cancer operation," explained Dr. Ana Paula Refinetti, an associate professor in the Department of Breast Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and a key surgical PI on the project. "AccessPath could transform surgical oncology, particularly in low-resource settings, by reducing the need for repeat surgeries, lowering costs, and improving patient outcomes."

Innovative Technology for a Global Impact

The AccessPath system represents a significant advancement in surgical pathology. It integrates several key technological innovations:

1. High-Resolution Imaging: A novel, robust microscope design that delivers high-resolution images of tumor margins rapidly, with an extended depth of field.

2. Fluorescent Staining: The use of optimized, cost-effective fluorescent stains to accurately delineate tumor boundaries.

3. AI-Powered Analysis: Fast, accurate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to classify tumor margins as either positive (cancerous) or negative (healthy).

These advancements are particularly impactful for low-resource settings, where access to specialized equipment and expert personnel is limited. By significantly reducing the cost and complexity of tumor margin analysis, AccessPath has the potential to improve surgical outcomes globally.

A Collaborative Effort with Far-Reaching Benefits

The success of the AccessPath project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Alongside Rice University, the research team includes experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Health School of Dentistry, Duke University, Carnegie Mellon University, and 3rd Stone Design. This multi-institutional effort underscores the importance of partnerships in driving medical innovation.

"AccessPath exemplifies the life-changing research we strive for at Rice," said Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Rice's executive vice president for research. "Our collaboration with MD Anderson and other leading institutions is crucial in tackling some of the most pressing medical challenges. I'm incredibly proud of Rebecca and her team for their leadership and dedication."

Supporting the Biden-Harris Cancer Moonshot Initiative

AccessPath is one of several projects funded under the ARPA-H Precision Surgical Interventions program, part of the broader $150 million Biden-Harris Administration Cancer Moonshot initiative. This initiative aims to accelerate the discovery of new cancer treatments and technologies, ultimately reducing cancer mortality and improving patient care.

As Rice University continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare, projects like AccessPath demonstrate the institution's commitment to addressing global health disparities and enhancing the quality of life for patients everywhere.

For more information on this groundbreaking research and Rice University's role in medical innovation, visit the official news release https://gofund.me/d5145950

About Rice University

Located in the heart of Houston, Rice University is renowned for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus life. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, Rice is home to world-class schools of engineering, business, architecture, and the arts. With a commitment to fostering innovation and excellence, Rice continues to lead the way in addressing global challenges and shaping the future of healthcare.

For more info, visit Rice.edu