Improving cancer surgery with advanced imaging probes
Official title: Optimizing PET Radio-Guided Probes for Laparoscopic Surgery: Small Compton-Angles Collimation for Increased SNR and Size and Weight Reduction
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11033946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, smaller surgical tool that helps doctors find cancerous areas more easily during prostate surgery, which could lead to better results for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03EB036611-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033946 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are scheduled for laparoscopic surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than prostate cancer or those not undergoing surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of surgical probe that enhances the detection of cancerous tissues during laparoscopic prostate surgery. By optimizing the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiotracers, the project aims to create a smaller and more effective probe that can accurately identify tumor regions that are often missed. The approach involves using innovative collimation techniques to improve sensitivity and reduce the size of the probe, making it suitable for minimally invasive procedures. Patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery may benefit from this technology, which aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the likelihood of residual cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer surgeries, reducing the chances of missed tumors and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in surgical practices.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehadji, Brahim — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Mehadji, Brahim
Related research
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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.