Better Imaging for Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Targeted Dual Modality Imaging for Detection and Removal of Head and Neck Cancer
This project aims to improve how doctors find and remove head and neck cancer during surgery using a special imaging technique.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129852 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Currently, methods for finding tumors and lymph nodes during head and neck cancer surgery haven't changed much in decades. This project proposes a new approach using a special antibody, called panitumumab, that is labeled with both fluorescent and nuclear markers. This "dual modality imaging" combines the strengths of two different imaging types to help surgeons see even very tiny cancer cells. The goal is to make it easier for doctors to precisely locate and remove all cancer during an operation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing surgery for tumor removal might be ideal candidates for future applications of this technology.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not undergoing surgical removal of head and neck tumors would not directly benefit from this specific imaging technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging method could help surgeons remove all cancer more effectively, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: The use of the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab for imaging has shown success in several early-stage studies, and this project builds upon those findings by combining two imaging methods.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Eben L. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Eben L.
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.