Developing new agents for cancer detection and treatment using light
Official title: Cationic Carbone-Boracycles as Far-Red and Near-Infrared Photoactive Agents
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11037346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new light-activated agents that can help doctors see and treat tumors better, aiming to give patients improved ways to find cancer early and receive more effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $351,010 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157624-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cancer who may benefit from advanced imaging and targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not undergoing treatment for cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative agents that can be activated by light to help diagnose and treat tumors more effectively. By designing and synthesizing special compounds called cationic carbone-boracycles, the project aims to enhance imaging capabilities and improve targeted cancer therapies. These agents are designed to be stable in the body and emit light in the near-infrared range, which can help visualize tumors and deliver localized treatment. Patients may benefit from improved methods for early cancer detection and more effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective early detection and treatment options for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using light-activated agents for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilliard, Robert J. — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Gilliard, Robert 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.