NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Improving detection of metastatic osteosarcoma during surgery

Official title: Intraoperative Molecular Imaging of Metastatic Osteosarcoma with 111In-dinutuximab-IR800

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11031944 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help surgeons find and remove hard-to-see cancer spots in kids and teens with metastatic osteosarcoma by using special imaging tools during surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$85,444
NIH project number5F32CA287961-02
Project IDNIH-11031944 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma.

Less likely to help

Patients with localized osteosarcoma or other types of cancer not related to osteosarcoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the surgical removal of metastatic osteosarcoma by using intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI). It employs targeted radioisotopes and near-infrared fluorophores to help surgeons accurately identify cancerous tissues and differentiate them from normal tissues during surgery. By combining these technologies, the study aims to improve the detection of metastatic lesions that are often difficult to locate, particularly in the lungs, thereby potentially increasing the chances of complete tumor resection. This approach is especially crucial for children and adolescents suffering from this aggressive form of bone cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgical outcomes for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using fluorescent agents for tumor resection, but this approach combining radioisotopes and fluorophores is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rosenblum, Lauren Taylor — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Rosenblum, Lauren Taylor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.