Molecular probes to improve cancer imaging with xenon-enhanced MRI
Designer Molecular Probes for Biomedical Applications
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11326232
This project develops new molecular probes that use xenon gas to help doctors see cancers more clearly on MRI for people with suspected or known tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers design small-molecule capsules and engineered proteins that can trap xenon gas and release it at controllable rates so the xenon signal lights up specific molecules or cells. They combine these xenon-binding probes with hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI techniques to create highly sensitive contrast agents aimed at highlighting cancer-related targets. Work includes chemistry, lab models, and imaging experiments to optimize probe performance and safety before any human testing. The team is building on recent FDA approval of hyperpolarized xenon for lung MRI to move these probes toward future clinical imaging use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with suspected or known cancers who need advanced MRI imaging, especially in areas accessible to hyperpolarized xenon MRI.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer, those with conditions unrelated to MRI imaging, or those who cannot undergo MRI would be unlikely to benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these probes could make MRI scans more sensitive and specific for detecting cancers and monitoring treatment response.
How similar studies have performed: Hyperpolarized Xe-129 has been FDA-approved for human lung MRI and early studies show promise, but using molecular xenon contrast agents specifically for cancer detection is still an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DMOCHOWSKI, IVAN JULIAN — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: DMOCHOWSKI, IVAN JULIAN
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: Cancer Detection