A soft robot designed to improve lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Official title: Extending Reach, Accuracy, and Therapeutic Capabilities: A Soft Robot for Peripheral Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10895281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new soft robot designed to help doctors take better samples from hard-to-reach areas in the lungs, making it easier to diagnose and treat early-stage lung cancer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034286-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with early-stage lung cancer or suspicious lung nodules requiring biopsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced lung cancer or those who do not require biopsy procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel soft surgical robot that enhances the ability to diagnose and treat early-stage lung cancer. The robot aims to improve the accuracy of biopsies by accessing hard-to-reach areas of the lung where traditional methods struggle. By utilizing advanced imaging and a flexible design, this robot will allow for better tissue sampling, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatment options for patients. The project builds on previous work in robotic bronchoscopy to ensure a more precise and less invasive approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in robotic bronchoscopy has shown promise, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in lung cancer diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Russo, Sheila — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Russo, Sheila
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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.