# Noninvasive multiphoton imaging of subcellular structures with color contrast for rapid detection of skin cancers

> **NIH NIH R44** · ENSPECTRA HEALTH, INC. · 2021 · $1,968,512

## Abstract

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) represents the most common form of cancer in the human
body. The method for diagnosing and treating NMSCs requires a skin biopsy that is processed
and stained for analysis on a standard optical microscope. This process is painful for patients,
and the invasiveness of biopsy introduces a delay into NMSC detection, which contributes to
patient morbidity and adds substantial cost to the healthcare system. EnSpectra Health, Inc
(Enspectra) aims to address the unmet clinical need for a better method to detect NMSCs
earlier. This Phase IIB application builds on the progress of awarded Phase I and Phase II
projects (NCI, 2R44CA221591-02A1). In Phase I of this grant, EnSpectra demonstrated the
feasibility of a portable, skin-imaging microscope for human clinical studies (Aim 1), developed
software for data acquisition, image processing, and improved user interface (Aim 2), and
demonstrated in 5 human subjects with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) the ability to detect
pathologic features of BCC (Aim 3). EnSpectra has created the first fiber coupled multiphoton
microscopy (MPM) system for in vivo imaging of skin cellular anatomy. In Phase II of this grant,
EnSpectra advanced the development of its portable, skin-imaging microscope (Aim 1),
developed a library of slide images of targeted skin diseases comparing MPM to traditional
histology (Aim 2), and is on track to complete in vivo human performance testing (Aim 3) prior
to the Phase II end date. The completion of the Phase II aims will enable EnSpectra to build
clinical evidence in to support a 510(k) submission for United States Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) clearance. In this Phase IIB proposal EnSpectra will accomplish two
aims: Aim 1) Develop and manufacture 8 portable, skin-imaging microscopes for commercial
readiness (12 months), Aim 2) Conduct clinical trial to support reimbursement body of literature
(24 months).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10250264
- **Project number:** 2R44CA221591-03
- **Recipient organization:** ENSPECTRA HEALTH, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Gabriel Nestor Sanchez
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,968,512
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-09-25 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10250264

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10250264, Noninvasive multiphoton imaging of subcellular structures with color contrast for rapid detection of skin cancers (2R44CA221591-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10250264. Licensed CC0.

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