Improving nerve-sparing surgery for prostate cancer using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Increasing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy rates using intraoperative nonlinear microscopy
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11014968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique to help surgeons better identify cancer during prostate surgery, which could lead to more men being able to keep their nerves intact and improve their recovery of sexual function and bladder control after the operation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA249151-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who are considering radical prostatectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the rates of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer patients by utilizing a novel imaging technique called nonlinear microscopy (NLM). This approach allows for real-time evaluation of prostate tissue during surgery, helping surgeons identify cancerous areas more accurately and sparing critical nerve structures. By improving the identification of patients eligible for nerve-sparing procedures, the research aims to improve postoperative recovery of sexual function and continence, which are vital for quality of life. The study builds on previous findings that suggest intraoperative assessments can lead to better surgical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the surgical outcomes and quality of life for prostate cancer patients by increasing the rates of nerve-sparing surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with intraoperative assessments in improving surgical outcomes, making this approach promising yet innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fujimoto, James G — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Fujimoto, James G
Related research
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-
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This research compares a pelvic fascia-sparing prostate removal to standard prostate surgery to try to lower long-term urinary and sexual side effects for men with localized prostate cancer.
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.