Nanoparticle ultrasound to help find prostate cancer during biopsy
Official title: Improved Detection of Prostate Cancer with Nanoparticle-based Ultrasound Contrast Agents Targeted to PSMA
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11259498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project develops tiny, prostate-specific ultrasound bubbles to help doctors see cancer during transrectal prostate biopsies in men with suspected prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2017 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $549,580 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB025741-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men scheduled for a transrectal prostate biopsy because of elevated PSA, an abnormal digital rectal exam, or suspicious imaging would be the likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Men without concerns about prostate cancer, those not undergoing biopsy, or those unable to have transrectal procedures or contrast agents would not benefit from this work.
What this research studies
You may be offered an imaging agent made of tiny "nanobubbles" that are designed to stick to prostate cancer cells by targeting PSMA and show up on standard transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Because these nanobubbles are much smaller than clinical microbubbles, they can leave blood vessels and bind directly to tumor cells, potentially making suspicious areas more visible in real time. The team aims to use this improved visibility to guide biopsy needles to the right spots so fewer cancers are missed and fewer repeat procedures are needed. Researchers are testing the agents in the lab and animal models and working toward steps needed for use during clinical biopsies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make prostate biopsies more accurate so fewer cancers are missed and fewer repeat biopsies are required.
How similar studies have gone: Related targeted ultrasound contrast approaches have shown promise in animal and early-phase work, but PSMA-targeted nanobubbles for TRUS are relatively new and not yet widely proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Exner, Agata a — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Exner, Agata a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Real-time AI-assisted ultrasound guides for targeted prostate biopsies
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-
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This study is testing a new type of ultrasound to help doctors find serious prostate cancer more accurately and affordably, so patients can get the right treatment without unnecessary procedures for less aggressive cases.
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A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
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This project looks at how androgen deprivation therapy may affect motivation and mood over time in men with prostate cancer.
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.