Colorectal cancer screening with real-time imaging that may replace sedated scopes
Official title: Colorectal Cancer Screening with Optical Coherence Tomography
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11387602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to spot and treat colon polyps without the need for sedation during a screening colonoscopy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,950,057 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA280972-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing colonoscopy who may benefit from improved detection of polyps and real-time diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colon polyps or those not undergoing colonoscopy may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project at Massachusetts General Hospital aims to improve colon cancer screening by using OCT to visualize the entire colon, identify polyps more reliably, and provide real-time polyp diagnosis and treatment at the point of care. The approach targets reduction in sedation-related costs and unnecessary polyp removals by offering a clearer, non-sedated screening option. It will involve clinically validating OCT imaging in patients undergoing colonoscopy to see if it can find adenomas that conventional methods miss and guide immediate care decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, OCT-based screening could make colonoscopies safer, faster, and more accurate, potentially lowering costs and improving early detection of colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging studies show promise for improved polyp detection, but OCT validation in real-world colonoscopy is still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tearney, Guillermo J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tearney, Guillermo J
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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.