Developing a targeted dye for better surgery in head and neck cancer
Official title: A peptide targeted fluorescence probe for precision surgery of head and neck cancer
Funded at Molecular Theranostics, LLC · NIH-10922472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special dye that helps surgeons see tumors more clearly during surgery for head and neck cancer, making it easier to remove all the cancerous tissue and improve treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Molecular Theranostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beachwood, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 16, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $294,505 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DE033946-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are scheduled for surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancer who are not undergoing surgery or those with advanced metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a specialized fluorescence dye that can be used during surgery to improve the precision of tumor removal in patients with head and neck cancer. By using this dye, surgeons can better visualize tumors and their margins in real-time, potentially reducing the chances of leaving behind cancerous tissue. The approach focuses on enhancing the detection of small tumors and accurately defining tumor boundaries, which is crucial for effective surgical treatment. This method seeks to address the limitations of current imaging techniques that often require lengthy preparation times and may not be specific to tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgeries for head and neck cancer, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While some targeted fluorescence probes are in development for head and neck cancer, this specific approach is novel and aims to overcome existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
-
Molecular Theranostics, LLC
Beachwood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Ryan Christopher — Molecular Theranostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Hall, Ryan Christopher
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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.