Fast, large-format imaging to check lumpectomy margins during breast-conserving surgery
GigaFIBI; rapid, large-format histology-resolution imaging for Intraoperative assessment of breast lumpectomy margins
A fast, high-resolution imaging tool used during lumpectomy to help surgeons check whether cancer cells remain at the edges of removed breast tissue for people having breast-conserving surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are having a lumpectomy, this project aims to bring a large-area imaging device into the operating room that quickly scans the removed tissue at near-histology resolution. The device (GigaFIBI) produces detailed images without the lengthy processing of frozen sections, so the surgical team can see margin information nearly in real time. Researchers will develop the hardware and software, test workflows for scanning large specimens, and compare the device's images to standard post-operative pathology. The goal is to create a practical intraoperative tool that could help surgeons decide whether more tissue should be removed before leaving the operating room.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People scheduled for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) for breast cancer who can receive intraoperative imaging at the participating surgical center are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients having mastectomy, those not undergoing surgery, or those treated at centers without the imaging device would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lower the chance of needing a second breast surgery by giving immediate information about margin status during the first operation.
How similar studies have performed: Other intraoperative margin techniques like frozen section and optical imaging have reduced re-excision rates in some settings but face limits in speed, coverage, or tissue handling, and this project adapts those ideas toward faster, large-area histology-like imaging.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fereidouni, Farzad — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Fereidouni, Farzad
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 below.