NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving cancer treatment decisions using advanced imaging techniques.

Official title: Development and Pre-Clinical Validation of Quantitative Imaging of Cell State Kinetics (QuICK) for Functional Precision Oncology

Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10928191 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to see how melanoma tumor cells react to different treatments, helping doctors make more personalized choices for patients by closely watching how each cell behaves over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project startSeptember 12, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$372,336
NIH project number5R01CA276653-02
Project IDNIH-10928191 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients, especially those with the BRAFV600E mutation, who are facing treatment decisions between immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers other than melanoma or those who do not have the BRAFV600E mutation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new imaging method called QuICK that allows for the detailed observation of tumor cell behavior in response to different cancer treatments. By analyzing how tumor cells react to therapies at a single-cell level, the goal is to provide personalized insights that can guide treatment choices for patients, particularly those with melanoma. The approach aims to retain the diversity of tumor cells and monitor their responses over time, which is crucial for understanding treatment resistance.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatment strategies, improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research in functional precision oncology has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zangle, Thomas Andrew — University of Utah
  • Study coordinator: Zangle, Thomas Andrew

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women

    This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11337219

  • Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension

    This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11311762

  • A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.

    This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11251531

  • New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients

    This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11251527

  • Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy

    This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11250879

  • Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students

    This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11249106

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.