Better Ultrasound for Finding Tiny Cancer Spreads in Head and Neck Lymph Nodes
Multiplex Ultrasound Imaging for the Detection of Head and Neck Lymph Node Micrometastases
This project aims to create a new, gentle ultrasound method to find very small cancer cells in lymph nodes for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195618 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For many cancers, especially in the head and neck, knowing if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes is key for planning treatment. Currently, doctors often need to surgically remove these lymph nodes, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes misses very small cancer cells. This new approach is developing a special ultrasound that uses tiny, targeted bubbles to light up these hidden cancer cells. By making these bubbles respond differently to the ultrasound, we hope to clearly see even the smallest cancer spreads without surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers who need to know if their cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer type does not typically spread to lymph nodes, or those without head and neck cancer, would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-surgical way to accurately detect tiny cancer cells in lymph nodes, leading to more precise treatment plans and potentially fewer side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This project is developing a novel, noninvasive ultrasound-based molecular imaging tool, building on existing knowledge of ultrasound and targeted contrast agents.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luke, Geoffrey P. — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Luke, Geoffrey P.
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.