Improving surgical outcomes for head and neck cancer by enhancing tumor detection
Reduction of Tumor-Positive Margins in Oncology Surgery
This study is testing a new way to help surgeons find and remove all of the cancer during surgery for early-stage head and neck tumors by using a special dye that lights up cancer cells, making it easier to see and ensure they don’t leave any behind.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11070355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the surgical treatment of early-stage head and neck tumors by enhancing the detection of tumor-positive margins during surgery. The approach involves using a fluorescently labeled antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is commonly over-expressed in head and neck cancer patients. By injecting this antibody systemically, surgeons can use fluorescence imaging to better identify areas that may contain cancerous tissue, thereby reducing the likelihood of leaving tumor cells behind. This method aims to improve surgical outcomes by ensuring clearer margins and reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early-stage head and neck cancers who are scheduled for surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced-stage head and neck cancers or those who are not undergoing surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgeries for head and neck cancer patients, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and the need for follow-up procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using targeted imaging agents have shown promise in improving surgical outcomes in other cancer types, indicating potential success for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warram, Jason Morgan — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Warram, Jason Morgan
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.