Advanced imaging of tumor environments in three dimensions
Official title: Ultrahigh-throughput imaging of 3D tumor microenvironment at nanoscale
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11144018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new imaging system that helps scientists see the tiny details of how cancer cells and immune cells interact in tumors, which could lead to better treatments for cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,300 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA301488-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with lung cancer or those interested in the mechanisms of cancer and immune interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not affected by lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cutting-edge imaging system that allows for detailed 3D visualization of tumor microenvironments. By combining advanced microscopy techniques, the project aims to capture intricate cellular interactions within tumors, which are crucial for understanding cancer progression and treatment responses. Using genetically engineered mouse models, the researchers will explore how cancer cells interact with immune cells, providing insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies. The automated imaging process will enhance the speed and accuracy of data collection, making it a significant advancement in cancer research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding how tumors evade the immune system, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques to study cancer, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Yongxin — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Yongxin
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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.