Fluorescent dye used during lumpectomy to highlight tumor edges
Fluorescence-guided resection of breast tumors using a topically-applied molecular probe
This project uses a special fluorescent probe applied to the breast during lumpectomy to help surgeons see cancer at the tissue edge more clearly for women having breast-conserving surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11404102 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
During breast-conserving surgery a clinician will apply a topical molecular probe to the removed tissue and/or surgical cavity and use a fluorescence camera to visualize any remaining cancer at the margins. The team combines imaging with pathology to determine whether the probe lights up areas that standard inspection or routine pathology might miss. The goal is to guide surgeons in the operating room so fewer patients need a second operation for positive margins. Work likely includes laboratory testing of the probe and clinical testing at the surgical site to compare fluorescence with final pathology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with early-stage breast cancer who are scheduled for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
Not a fit: People who require mastectomy, have widespread metastatic disease, or cannot undergo surgery would not be candidates and are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce re-operations, improve cosmetic results, and lower the chance of local recurrence after lumpectomy.
How similar studies have performed: Fluorescence-guided surgery has shown benefit in other cancers and surgical settings, but topical fluorescent probes for lumpectomy margins remain relatively new with limited clinical data.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basilion, James Peter — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Basilion, James Peter
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.