Imaging and sensors to personalize light-based and immune therapies
Core C: In vivo Imaging, Dosimetry and Sensing of Photodynamic-Immune Responses and Synergies
Creating easy-to-use imaging and sensor tools to tailor photodynamic (light-activated) treatments and how they work with immune therapies for patients with tumors, especially skin lesions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195114 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds imaging tools that measure the three key parts of light-based therapy: oxygen in tissue, the light-activated drug (photosensitizer), and the light dose. Researchers are developing handheld and cellphone-based sensors to make those measurements in clinic visits. The tools will also try to show how photodynamic therapy and immune responses work together so doctors can pick the best combined approach. Work so far focuses on dermatology but the methods could be used in other tumor sites with further testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients receiving or being considered for photodynamic (light-activated) therapy—especially for skin cancers or precancerous skin lesions—at centers offering these imaging tools.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving photodynamic therapy or whose care does not involve immune-based treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help doctors personalize light-based therapies and better combine them with immunotherapy to improve treatment responses and reduce unnecessary treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Parts of this work are already promising—cellphone-based photosensitizer measurements and delayed fluorescence oxygen imaging have been demonstrated—while full clinical use to guide combined PDT and immunotherapy remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pogue, Brian William — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pogue, Brian William
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.