Assessing prostate cancer tissue characteristics in real time during biopsies
Real time fine needle assessment of architectural heterogeneity in prostate cancer
This study is testing a new tool that helps doctors see prostate tumors more clearly during biopsies, making it easier to find serious cases and reducing the need for repeat procedures, which can be stressful for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis by using a novel needle photoacoustic probe during biopsies. The probe provides real-time imaging to better identify and characterize the aggressiveness of prostate tumors, addressing limitations of current ultrasound and MRI techniques. By analyzing the tissue architecture, the study aims to reduce the chances of missing significant tumors and minimize the need for repeated biopsies, which can cause anxiety and discomfort for patients. The approach has shown promise in preliminary studies involving both animal models and human subjects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are American men who are at risk for prostate cancer and have elevated blood-based biomarkers indicating potential malignancy.
Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer or those who are not at risk for prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate prostate cancer diagnoses and reduce unnecessary biopsies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar imaging techniques in improving cancer diagnosis, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Guan — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Xu, Guan
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 below.