Creating a new imaging tool to detect a cancer-related protein
Official title: Develop a PET radiotracer suitable for in vivo imaging of TGFβ
Funded at Providence Health & Services - Oregon · NIH-10954218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging tool that can help doctors see and measure a protein called TGFβ, which is important for understanding how cancer is behaving, and it's being tested in mice to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence Health & Services - Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Renton, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA283104-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers known to have high levels of TGFβ and who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve TGFβ may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel PET radiotracer that can non-invasively detect the levels of TGFβ, a protein linked to poor cancer outcomes. By using a specially designed protein that binds to TGFβ, the researchers aim to create a tool that can visualize and quantify this protein in living organisms. The study will involve testing this radiotracer in mice to determine its effectiveness and optimal usage. If successful, this approach could provide valuable insights into cancer progression and treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer prognosis assessments and more personalized treatment strategies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using PET imaging for other biomarkers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence Health & Services - Oregon
Renton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Kristina H — Providence Health & Services - Oregon
- Study coordinator: Young, Kristina H
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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.