A new tool to measure oxygen levels for better skin cancer treatment
Official title: Ultra-sensitive Singlet Oxygen Dosimeter for Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Funded at Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-10438940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that can measure how well a skin cancer treatment called photodynamic therapy is working by checking the levels of a special type of oxygen, which could help make treatments more effective and improve sunscreen products for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Physical Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Andover, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $905,953 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA250727-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10438940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, who are considering photodynamic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma or other types of skin cancer not treated with photodynamic therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an advanced optical dosimetry technology that can measure singlet oxygen levels during photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancer. By using a novel approach called computational spectroscopy, the researchers aim to create a device that provides real-time feedback on the effectiveness of PDT, which is a targeted treatment for skin cancer. This technology will also help in understanding how UV light contributes to skin damage and cancer development, potentially leading to better sunscreen products. Patients may benefit from more personalized and effective treatment protocols as a result of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with skin cancer through more effective photodynamic therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using optical technologies for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Physical Sciences, INC
Andover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Youbo — Physical Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Youbo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Solar-powered sun protection for outdoor workers
A short project to help outdoor workers prevent skin cancer by using a tailored, story-based video and workplace actions to increase sun protection.
-
Skin cancer immunotherapy: better vaccines and biomarkers to help melanoma patients
A Yale-led program tests new drug combinations and biomarker tests to help people with advanced melanoma live longer and better, especially by guiding which treatment works best for them.
-
CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
A new four‑day radiation bandage for non-melanoma skin cancer aims to treat facial and other areas without multiple clinic visits or big scars.
-
MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
A randomized trial tests a moldable wound scaffold (MAP Wound Matrix) to speed healing and time to graft-ready skin after head and neck cancer surgeries in adults.
-
PASS: A family-based approach to sun safety in schools
A parent-focused program delivered through schools aims to help families protect children from sun exposure and reduce skin cancer risk.
-
Precision skin cancer risk feedback in community clinics
A multisite study tests giving adults personalized genetic risk information to boost sun protection and skin checks in low-resource primary care settings.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.