Imaging and molecular tools to detect returning brain tumors

Quantitative imaging and molecular data modeling for brain tumor recurrence and progression analysis

NIH-funded research Old Dominion University · NIH-11050657

This project uses brain scans and tumor molecular data with AI to help doctors spot when glioblastoma tumors come back in adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOld Dominion University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Norfolk, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050657 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be part of a project that combines brain imaging scans and tumor molecular test results from multiple hospitals to teach AI how tumors change over time. The team will train and test algorithms to segment and track tumor, edema, and radiation-related changes on scans and link those imaging patterns to molecular markers. They will use explainable AI with uncertainty measures and validate the models using both in-house patient data and public datasets through the ReSPOND consortium.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) with glioblastoma or suspected tumor recurrence who have clinical imaging and/or tumor molecular data are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, children, or patients who lack usable imaging or molecular test results may not benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect tumor recurrence earlier and reduce the need for invasive biopsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous AI approaches to brain tumor imaging have shown promising but limited results, and combining imaging with molecular data and explainable AI here is a relatively novel step.

Where this research is happening

Norfolk, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.