Integration of mDOC (mobile Detection of Oral Cancer) for Early Detection: A Feasibility, Performance, and Training Study in the Primary Care Context of Brazil's Public Health System (SUS).
Description: Early detection of oral cancer is essential for improving clinical outcomes and reducing mortality, especially in low-income settings where incidence and late diagnosis remain high. This multicenter project proposes to validate and integrate mDOC (mobile Detection of Oral Cancer), a portable mHealth-based technology, into the oral cancer screening routine of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS). The study, which involves international cooperation in technological development and scientific validation stages, is structured around four objectives: (1) conducting a pilot study with 50 patients to assess the feasibility of using mDOC in a mobile unit, comparing its effectiveness with conventional clinical examination; (2) performing usability tests with different professional categories to improve the device, resulting in five second-generation units; (3) carrying out a field study with 1,000 patients to optimize mDOC's imaging algorithms and compare its diagnostic performance with histopathology and clinical evaluation; and (4) developing and implementing a hands-on training model for primary care professionals, aiming to train them in clinical examinations, use of mDOC, and biopsy procedures. This is a circular project that integrates technological innovation, human resource training, and practical application in public health policy. It is expected to promote early detection in high-risk populations, strengthen the oral cancer screening infrastructure within SUS, and reduce disparities in access to cancer diagnosis, generating significant social impact. (AU)
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
Start date: 2026-01-01
End date: 2027-12-31
Investigator: Fabiana de Lima Vazquez
Institution: Hospital do Câncer de Barretos
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 25/10113-4
OpenAlex ID: G7525401802