Improving surgery for neuroblastoma with a special imaging tracer
Intraoperative dual-labeled molecular tracer to improve surgery on neuroblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11120892
This work aims to create a new imaging tracer to help surgeons more safely and completely remove neuroblastoma tumors and their spread in children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11120892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
High-risk neuroblastoma can be very challenging to treat, and surgery is a critical part of care. This project is developing a special dye, called a dual-labeled molecular imaging tracer, that surgeons can use during an operation. The tracer helps them see the tumor and any hidden cancer cells more clearly, while also protecting healthy tissues nearby. By making the cancer more visible, surgeons hope to remove all of it more effectively and safely, which could lead to better results for children with neuroblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on improving surgical outcomes for children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Not a fit: Patients without neuroblastoma or those not undergoing surgical intervention for their cancer would not directly benefit from this specific surgical imaging tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging tracer could allow surgeons to perform more complete and safer operations for neuroblastoma, potentially improving survival and reducing complications for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of intraoperative imaging is not entirely new, this specific dual-labeled tracer and its application to neuroblastoma represent a novel approach to improve surgical precision.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MALEK, MARCUS M. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: MALEK, MARCUS M.
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 below.
Conditions: Childhood Cancers