Improving detection of cancer spread in lymph nodes during breast surgery
Official title: Intraoperative Imaging for Lymph Node Metastases
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10802413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how doctors find out if lymph nodes have cancer during breast cancer surgery, using a new imaging technique that could help avoid extra surgeries and make things safer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,048 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280814-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients undergoing surgery who have no palpable axillary adenopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who already have detectable axillary lymph node involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the detection of lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients during surgery. Currently, the standard method involves injecting a radioactive tracer and dye to identify sentinel lymph nodes, but this does not differentiate between cancerous and healthy nodes. The study aims to develop a new intraoperative imaging technique that can accurately identify whether lymph nodes contain cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and complications. By improving the accuracy of lymph node assessments, this research seeks to provide better surgical outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise surgical procedures for breast cancer patients, minimizing unnecessary lymph node removals and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in improving intraoperative imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in surgical oncology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamada, Tohru — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Yamada, Tohru
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.