Better tools for finding bile duct cancer early
Official title: Multispectral imaging of bile duct epithelial morphology for early detection of malignancy
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11123497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a new way to find bile duct cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $701,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA293050-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing diagnostic ERCP procedures for bile duct concerns may be ideal candidates for future participation in studies using this technology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bile duct concerns or are not undergoing ERCP procedures would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
What this research studies
Bile duct cancer is often found too late, making it very difficult to treat. Current methods for finding it early, like biopsies during an ERCP procedure, can miss some cancers or struggle to get enough tissue for a clear diagnosis. This project aims to improve early detection by using a special light-based technology during routine ERCPs. This new approach would scan the inside of the bile duct to look for changes in cells that could signal pre-cancer or early cancer, without needing a separate cholangioscope.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could allow doctors to find bile duct cancer much earlier, significantly improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Researchers have recently introduced a similar diagnostic technology, suggesting a foundation for this improved approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perelman, Lev T — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Perelman, Lev T
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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.