Improving Cancer Surgery with Special Imaging

Advancing molecular fluorescence-guided surgery platform

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-11073051

This work helps surgeons see cancer more clearly during operations using special dyes and imaging tools.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11073051 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project focuses on making surgery for cancers like glioma and head and neck cancers more effective. We are developing and testing new fluorescent dyes that can highlight tumor cells, allowing surgeons to distinguish them from healthy tissue. By using these dyes and advanced imaging equipment, doctors hope to remove more of the cancer while preserving healthy areas. This approach aims to improve surgical outcomes and potentially reduce the need for follow-up treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with certain cancers, such as glioma and head and neck cancers, who are undergoing surgery might be ideal candidates for future applications of this technology.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not suitable for this type of imaging or who are not undergoing surgical removal of their tumor may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more complete removal of cancer during surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous success in bringing a fluorescent agent from animal models to early-stage human clinical trials.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.