Better Cancer Detection During Robotic Surgery
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging/Spectroscopy System For Robotic Cancer Surgery Guidance
This project aims to make robotic surgery for oral and throat cancers more precise by helping surgeons see cancer cells better during an operation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to improve robotic surgery for oral and throat cancers using a special imaging technique called Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIm). This technique helps surgeons identify cancer cells from healthy tissue in real-time during surgery. By integrating FLIm with the da Vinci Surgical System, we hope to give surgeons a clearer view, allowing them to remove all cancerous tissue more effectively. This could lead to more complete cancer removal and better outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer who are candidates for robotic surgery might eventually benefit from this advanced imaging technique.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not undergoing robotic surgery for oral or throat cancer would not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could help surgeons remove oral and throat cancers more completely during robotic surgery, potentially reducing the need for follow-up treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have already shown that this imaging approach can help distinguish cancer from normal tissue in patients during surgery, and this work builds on those promising results.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcu, Laura — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Marcu, Laura
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.