High-resolution label-free imaging to predict outcomes in early triple-negative breast cancer
Label-Free Optical Redox Imaging for Pretreatment Prognosis of Early-Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer
This work uses a special label-free imaging method to read tiny metabolic differences inside early-stage triple-negative breast tumors to help predict the chances of the cancer coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, doctors would use Optical Redox Imaging (ORI), which detects natural fluorescence from cell molecules, to scan your untreated tumor tissue in three dimensions at very high resolution (about 25 µm). The scans can show metabolic subtypes within the tumor, including highly oxidized "redox hotspots" that may be linked to higher risk of progression. Researchers will compare ORI findings from early-stage, treatment-naïve TNBC specimens to standard clinical measures like tumor size, stage, grade, and lymph node status. The aim is to see whether ORI can provide a more precise pretreatment prognosis to guide future treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with newly diagnosed, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who can provide untreated tumor tissue from a biopsy or surgery.
Not a fit: People with non–triple-negative breast cancer, advanced or heavily pretreated disease, or no available tumor tissue are unlikely to gain benefit from this specific imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If this works, ORI could offer a more accurate early prognosis and help doctors choose better-tailored treatments for people with early triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot data from treatment-naïve TNBC specimens showed that ORI redox hotspots predicted progression better than standard clinical indicators, but the method is still being tested in larger cohorts.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Lin Z — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Li, Lin Z
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.