Mini soft robotic bronchoscope to reach early peripheral lung nodules
Extending Reach, Accuracy, and Therapeutic Capabilities: A Soft Robot for Peripheral Early-Stage Lung Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · NIH-11166676
A tiny soft robotic bronchoscope will be used to reach, image, and sample hard-to-reach peripheral lung nodules for people with suspected early-stage lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166676 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing a tiny, air-powered soft robot that can bend deep into small airways to reach peripheral lung nodules. The device uses real-time imaging to guide steering and to take precise biopsies or deliver targeted therapies. The team will refine the robot's materials and controls, test performance in realistic lung models and preclinical settings, and validate sampling accuracy. Successful iterations will move the device toward clinical testing at affiliated hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with peripheral lung nodules seen on CT who are being considered for bronchoscopic biopsy or early-stage lung cancer diagnosis.
Not a fit: People with centrally located tumors, widespread metastatic disease, or those who cannot undergo bronchoscopic procedures are unlikely to benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make biopsies safer and more accurate and enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lung cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Commercial robotic bronchoscopes have improved navigation, but this ultra-small, soft-robot approach is novel and currently supported mainly by early lab and preclinical work.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RUSSO, SHEILA — BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- Study coordinator: RUSSO, SHEILA
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.