Dual-labeled imaging tracer to help surgeons remove neuroblastoma
Official title: Intraoperative dual-labeled molecular tracer to improve surgery on neuroblastoma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11367493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new intraoperative imaging tracer is being developed to help surgeons identify neuroblastoma tumors and nearby critical structures during surgery, with the goal of safer and more complete tumor removal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,541 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277664-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with high-risk neuroblastoma or patients undergoing NB-related surgery may benefit from this imaging approach in the future.
✕Less likely to help
The tracer is a preclinical development; results may not translate to all patients or may be ineffective for certain tumor types.
What this research studies
This project aims to create and optimize a dual-labeled imaging agent that can be used during surgery to highlight neuroblastoma tumors. It will test the tracer in preclinical models to understand how tumor differences affect performance and to refine its safety and effectiveness. The study also plans to assess how the tracer influences the extent of tumor removal and survival in animal models, with consideration of additional therapies like neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments. The ultimate goal is to translate this tool into better surgical outcomes for children with high-risk NB and potentially other tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tracer could help surgeons remove more tumor tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissues, potentially improving survival and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging approaches have shown promise in guiding tumor resections, but this specific dual-labeled tracer is novel and preclinical.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malek, Marcus M. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Malek, Marcus M.
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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.