Colonoscopy with light-based tissue fingerprints to detect colorectal cancer
Official title: Colonoscopy augmentation with Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIm): colorectal cancer detection in humans
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11386390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a new imaging method during colonoscopy to better spot and classify colorectal lesions in adults undergoing routine screening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA292595-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older undergoing routine colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
People not undergoing colonoscopy or with non-colorectal conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you’re having a colonoscopy, this study will use a label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging tool to capture real-time tissue fingerprints that may indicate cancerous or precancerous changes. Researchers will build a database from 200 patients to link FLIm signals with tissue diagnoses and then create easy-to-use software to help doctors interpret the results during the procedure. The goal is to improve detection accuracy and reduce missed or incompletely removed lesions. The work will involve collaboration with UC Davis and real-time data analysis during colonoscopy. If successful, this could lead to more timely and precise treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better and faster detection of colorectal lesions during colonoscopy may lead to more complete removal and improved outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in imaging-guided colonoscopy has shown promise, and this project builds on those techniques with a novel FLIm approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alfonso-Garcia, Alba — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Alfonso-Garcia, Alba
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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.