Dual-modality ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to improve prostate cancer detection
Official title: Clinical Translation of dual-modality transrectal ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging for detection of aggressive human prostate cancer
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11174469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach combines ultrasound and light-based imaging to better identify aggressive prostate cancer in American men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $645,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278833-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
American men at risk for or suspected of having prostate cancer, undergoing diagnostic evaluation for tumor aggressiveness.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without prostate cancer or with non-aggressive disease may not benefit from this imaging approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a TRUSPA imaging platform that merges transrectal ultrasound with photoacoustic imaging to non-invasively map functional and molecular features of the prostate. By conducting multi-institutional development and translation, it seeks to differentiate aggressive from non-aggressive tumors and reduce under-sampling during biopsy. The work builds on prior TRUSPA experience and focuses on delivering a clinically viable tool for more accurate diagnosis. Participants would contribute imaging data and, potentially, biopsy samples to validate the technology’s performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience more accurate diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer, guiding better treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier TRUSPA imaging work has shown promise in mapping tumor biology and improving diagnostic accuracy, though broader validation is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kothapalli, Sri Rajasekhar — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Kothapalli, Sri Rajasekhar
Related research
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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.