Infrared imaging to map how cancer cells use nutrients
Bio-orthogonal Mid-Infrared Photothermal Imaging of Cancer Metabolism
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · NIH-11173594
This project builds a new infrared imaging method to show how cancer cells process molecules and interact with nearby tissue, aiming to help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173594 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at Boston University are developing a new mid-infrared photothermal microscope that can image chemical bonds in cancer cells without destroying the tissue. The approach uses small nitrile-based probes that give strong signals in a spectrally quiet region, allowing high-resolution maps of metabolites. The team plans to apply the method to live cells, tissue samples, and animal models to preserve spatial and dynamic metabolic information that standard metabolomics loses. If those steps succeed, the technique could be adapted for studies using human tumor specimens or specialized clinical imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who can provide biopsy or surgical tissue samples, or who could travel to Boston for future specialized imaging studies, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new therapy or those with cancers that are not sampled surgically (for example many blood cancers) may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could let clinicians see tumor metabolism with spatial detail and help guide more precise diagnoses or treatment choices.
How similar studies have performed: Related vibrational and bio-orthogonal imaging methods have shown promising laboratory results, but this specific mid-infrared photothermal approach is novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHENG, JI-XIN — BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- Study coordinator: CHENG, JI-XIN
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: Cancers