NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Developing new imaging techniques to study cancer cells in real-time

Official title: Bioorthogonal probe development for highly parallel in vivo imaging

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11051803 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on new imaging technology that helps scientists see how cancer cells behave in real-time, which could lead to better and more targeted treatments for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startApril 21, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$415,830
NIH project number5R33CA277820-03
Project IDNIH-11051803 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who are undergoing treatment and could benefit from improved therapeutic strategies.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating advanced imaging technology that allows scientists to observe the behavior of cancer cells and molecules within their natural environment in real-time. By utilizing innovative 'click chemistries', the team aims to enhance the ability to visualize multiple channels of information simultaneously, significantly improving upon current imaging methods. This technology will enable researchers to gain deeper insights into the tumor microenvironment, which is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments based on a better understanding of tumor biology.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment by providing a clearer understanding of how tumors behave and respond to therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar imaging technologies, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Weissleder, Md, Phd, Ralph — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Weissleder, Md, Phd, Ralph

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.