Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, Ph.D., of the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Flinn Foundation Translational Seed Grants Program in 2026 for her work in endometrial cancer.
Herbst-Kralovetz said she is developing a non-invasive vaginal swab that can detect the cancer at an early stage through molecular biomarkers. This new diagnostic is more accessible, including use in rural settings and with telehealth, and will reduce detection delays and improve outcomes for women.
Endometrial cancer is the No.1 gynecologic cancer in the United States with rising rates and a critical unmet need for non-invasive diagnostics.