Better imaging and treatment-guided tools for inflammation and cancer
New tools for imaging and theranostics in inflammation and cancer
This project creates new imaging methods and paired diagnostic-treatment tools to find and target inflammation in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is creating sensitive, non-invasive imaging methods and theranostic agents that can locate inflammatory cells in the brain and tumor microenvironments. They combine molecular probes (including antibody-based agents), advanced imaging technology, and AI-powered image analysis to improve specificity and quantification. Work includes laboratory testing, imaging in preclinical models, and steps to adapt these tools for human imaging. The aim is to distinguish harmful versus protective inflammation and to guide more precise therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with Alzheimer's disease or other neuroinflammatory conditions, and patients with cancers where inflammation affects treatment response, especially if they can travel to imaging centers.
Not a fit: Patients whose illness is not driven by inflammation, or who cannot undergo advanced imaging procedures, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get earlier and more precise detection of harmful inflammation and more targeted, effective treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging approaches for neuroinflammation (for example TSPO PET) have shown promise but often lack cell-type specificity, so this project builds on past progress while aiming for more precise, actionable tools.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Sangeeta — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ray, Sangeeta
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.