Improving brain tumor surgery using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Integration of 5-ALA Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging with Stereotactic Surgical Navigation for Quantitative Real-Time Spatial Localization of Tumor During Neurosurgical Procedures
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11003709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help doctors remove glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, by using a special imaging tool that makes it easier to see the tumor during surgery, which could lead to better results for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,601 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277380-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are scheduled for surgical resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain tumors other than glioblastoma or those not undergoing surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the surgical removal of glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain cancer, by integrating a new imaging technology with existing surgical navigation systems. The approach utilizes a fluorescent agent called 5-ALA, which helps surgeons identify tumor margins more effectively during operations. By developing a method that allows for real-time, quantitative imaging of tumor tissue, the study aims to improve the accuracy of tumor resections and potentially lead to better patient outcomes. Patients undergoing surgery for glioblastoma may benefit from this innovative technique that aims to provide clearer guidance during their procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more complete tumor removals, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with fluorescence-guided surgery, indicating that this novel integration of imaging techniques could further enhance surgical outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloch, Orin — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Bloch, Orin
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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.