Detecting hidden pancreatic cancer during surgery using special imaging techniques
Official title: Highly Sensitive Detection of Occult Pancreatic Cancer Using Intraoperative Molecular Imaging
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11089460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to find small pancreatic cancer tumors that regular scans might miss, using a special dye before surgery to help doctors spot and remove all the cancerous tissue, which could lead to better outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273035-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are scheduled for surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not eligible for surgery or those with advanced metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the detection of small, hidden pancreatic cancer tumors that may not be visible through traditional imaging methods. Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are eligible for surgery will receive a fluorescently labeled antibody before their operation. During surgery, advanced imaging technology will be used to identify tiny tumor foci that could lead to cancer recurrence if not removed. The goal is to enhance surgical outcomes by ensuring all cancerous tissues are detected and removed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer by ensuring complete removal of all cancerous tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using intraoperative imaging techniques have shown promise in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poultsides, George — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Poultsides, George
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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.