Fluorescence lifetime imaging to highlight tumors during diagnosis and surgery
Official title: Fluorescence lifetime-based tumor contrast enhancement using exogenous probes
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11387862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach uses light that lasts longer in tumor areas to help doctors see cancers more clearly during diagnosis and surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,915 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033427-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancer who are undergoing imaging or surgical procedures where tumor visualization is critical.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers or procedures where fluorescence lifetime contrast provides no added value.
What this research studies
This project studies how to use fluorescence lifetime signals from tumor-targeted probes to distinguish cancer from normal tissue, potentially improving detection and precision in cancer care. It combines preclinical and clinical work to compare lifetime-based contrast with traditional intensity-based imaging. If successful, patients could benefit from more accurate tumor visualization during procedures and imaging-guided decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to sharper, more reliable tumor visualization during diagnosis and surgical treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests fluorescence lifetimes can distinguish tumor from normal tissue, with ongoing clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Anand T.n. — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Anand T.n.
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.