Developing advanced imaging techniques to study cancer spread in zebrafish

Technical Development Unit 1: Intelligent live imaging of metastasis patterns and subcellular molecular states at the whole organism level

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10903848

This study is working on a special microscope to help scientists see how cancer cells move and change in zebrafish, which could help us learn more about cancer spread and find better ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10903848 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a new type of microscope that can image cancer cells in zebrafish at both the whole organism and subcellular levels. By using a transparent zebrafish model, researchers aim to understand how cancer cells behave and adapt as they spread throughout the body. The project combines advanced imaging technology with computational methods to automatically identify and analyze metastatic sites, providing insights into cancer cell characteristics and behaviors. This innovative approach could lead to a better understanding of cancer metastasis and potentially improve treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer, particularly those whose cancer has a known tendency to metastasize.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancer is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cancer metastasis, ultimately improving treatment options for patients with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using advanced imaging techniques in animal models has shown promise in understanding cancer biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.