Improving cancer detection in head and neck cancer patients using advanced imaging techniques.
Official title: Secondary Molecular Imaging (SMI) for head and neck cancer
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11021018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging method that uses a special antibody to help doctors get a clearer picture of head and neck cancer, aiming to reduce false alarms and unnecessary procedures for patients who might be worried about their results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,676 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279249-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have indeterminate findings on standard imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those without indeterminate imaging results may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging method using a radiolabeled anti-EGFR antibody to improve the detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Current imaging techniques can lead to many false positives, causing unnecessary anxiety and procedures for patients. By using this advanced imaging approach, the study aims to provide more accurate results, particularly for patients with indeterminate findings from standard imaging. The goal is to reduce the need for invasive biopsies and improve the overall diagnostic process for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer detection, reducing unnecessary procedures and anxiety for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted imaging techniques for cancer detection, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Eben L. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Eben L.
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.