qMIDS-V3: A Non-Invasive Oral Cancer Test Validation Study in East London Population

Oral cancer is often diagnosed late, when treatment is more intensive and outcomes are poorer. This project will evaluate qMIDS-V3, a non-invasive molecular test that analyses genetic signals from cells collected using a simple oral brush biopsy. The technology aims to identify oral cancers and high-risk precancerous lesions earlier and more accurately than visual examination alone. By validating qMIDS-V3 in the diverse East London population served by Barts Health NHS Trust, the project will generate evidence to support future NHS implementation and help improve access to early diagnosis.

The overarching aim is to determine whether qMIDS-V3 can provide an accurate, equitable, and clinically practical approach for detecting oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders in routine healthcare settings.

The student will develop specialist skills in molecular diagnostics, including oral brush-biopsy sample collection and processing, clinical sample management and biobanking, mRNA purification, high-throughput 384-well RT-qPCR biomarker analysis, quality assurance, data management, statistical analysis, and correlation of molecular findings with clinical and pathological outcomes. The student will also gain experience in translational research and NHS diagnostic validation studies.

Year 1: Establish study workflows and standard operating procedures; receive training in molecular diagnostic techniques; initiate patient recruitment and sample collection; establish databases and quality-control systems.

Year 2: Continue recruitment and sample processing; perform RT-qPCR biomarker measurements; manage and curate molecular and clinicopathological datasets; undertake interim analyses and present early findings.

Year 3: Complete recruitment and laboratory analyses; evaluate qMIDS-V3 diagnostic performance across patient groups; perform comprehensive statistical and clinicopathological correlation analyses; prepare manuscripts.

Year 4: Finalise data interpretation and publications; complete thesis writing and examination preparation; disseminate findings to academic, clinical, patient, and NHS stakeholder audiences; develop recommendations for future clinical implementation of qMIDS-V3.