Improving surgery for low-grade gliomas using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: In vivo dual-axis confocal microscopy of 5-ALA-induced PpIX to guide low-grade glioma resections
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10843872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help doctors see and remove low-grade brain tumors more effectively during surgery by using a special handheld microscope and a fluorescent dye, which could lead to better results and fewer chances of the tumor coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $521,812 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA244170-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with low-grade gliomas who are scheduled for surgical resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with high-grade gliomas or those not undergoing surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the surgical removal of low-grade gliomas by using a specialized imaging technique called dual-axis confocal microscopy. By utilizing a fluorescent agent known as 5-ALA, the study aims to improve the visualization of tumor margins during surgery, allowing surgeons to detect and remove more cancerous cells. The approach involves optimizing a handheld microscope that can provide high-resolution images in real-time, which could lead to better surgical outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for patients. The research seeks to address the limitations of current imaging methods that may miss infiltrative tumor cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more complete tumor removals and improved survival rates for patients with low-grade gliomas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with fluorescence-guided surgery, but this specific approach using dual-axis confocal microscopy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jonathan T.c. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jonathan T.c.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
OPTIMUM: Engaging LGG patients in understanding how low-grade brain tumors evolve
A large study plans to involve people with low-grade glioma to map how their tumors change from initial diagnosis to recurrence using patient-friendly data sharing and trial connections.
-
Targeted therapies for pediatric low-grade glioma
A pediatric brain tumor project aims to find better, safer targeted treatments for kids with low-grade gliomas.
-
Understanding how diffuse low-grade gliomas disrupt cortical information processing
This study looks at how a common adult brain tumor changes brain circuits and thinking skills, with the aim of guiding better therapies for cognitive problems.
-
Targeting O-mannosylation in pediatric brain tumors driven by BRAF fusion
A pediatric brain tumor project is exploring whether blocking a specific sugar-modifying process called POMT-mediated O-mannosylation can stop tumor growth in tumors driven by KIAA1549-BRAF fusions.
-
Druggable targets in pediatric low-grade glioma through multi-modal data and screening
A pediatric brain tumor study aims to find new drug targets by integrating imaging, genetics, and biology data to tailor treatments for children with low-grade gliomas.
-
Improving patient participation to track how lower-grade brain tumors change over time
This project works with adults who have lower-grade (WHO II/III) glioma to collect surgical tumor samples, medical records, and feedback so researchers can better understand how their tumors change from diagnosis to recurrence.
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.