Fluorescent-guided laparoscopy with light-activated chemotherapy for tiny ovarian cancer spread
Official title: Quantitative Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Detection and Targeted Therapy Monitoring Platform for Ovarian Cancer Micrometastases
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11296928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This uses a fluorescent agent to make tiny ovarian cancer nodules glow during laparoscopy and a near-infrared light to trigger local release of chemotherapy at those spots for people with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $326,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA243164-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11296928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with epithelial ovarian cancer who have suspected or known microscopic intraperitoneal spread and who can undergo laparoscopic procedures.
✕Less likely to help
People whose tumors do not express the folate receptor, who are not eligible for laparoscopy, or who cannot tolerate localized light-based therapy may not receive benefit.
What this research studies
You would receive a folate-targeted fluorescent agent that homes to ovarian cancer cells so tiny nodules inside the abdomen light up during laparoscopy. The agent is packaged in light-sensitive liposomes that release the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light. Surgeons use quantitative fluorescence imaging to find micrometastases and then apply NIR light to trigger drug release only at those sites. The approach aims to remove or destroy hidden tumor deposits while lowering overall chemotherapy exposure and side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help find and destroy microscopic ovarian cancer spread more precisely and reduce whole-body chemotherapy side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Related photodynamic and targeted-delivery approaches have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but this specific folate-targeted, light-triggered chemotherapy approach remains largely experimental for humans.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sunar, Ulas — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Sunar, Ulas
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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.