Nanoprobe-enhanced MRI to find tiny brain metastases
Two-way Magnetic Resonance Tuning Nanoprobe Enhanced Subtraction Imaging for Precision Diagnosis of Brain Metastasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11231684
A new MRI nanoprobe plus image-processing method to help doctors spot very small brain metastases earlier in people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is building a tiny molecular nanoprobe that changes MRI signals in two ways when it reaches tumor tissue and pairing it with a new subtraction imaging computer method to make tumors stand out from normal brain. Researchers will develop and test the nanoprobe and imaging workflow to boost the tumor-to-normal tissue contrast so very small metastases can be seen. The work includes laboratory experiments and advanced imaging tests to optimize how the probe crosses the blood–brain barrier and lights up metastases while suppressing background signal. The team at UC Davis aims to move this approach toward use in clinical imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with a known primary cancer who are at risk for or being checked for brain metastases and who can undergo MRI procedures.
Not a fit: Patients without a risk of brain metastasis, those who cannot have MRI (for example, due to certain implants), or those with diffuse, non‑focal brain disease may not receive direct benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the method could let clinicians detect much smaller brain metastases earlier so patients can receive treatment sooner and have more treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: Contrast-agent and subtraction imaging techniques have improved lesion detection in research settings, but this dual-activation two-way magnetic resonance tuning nanoprobe combined with subtraction imaging is a novel approach that has been primarily tested preclinically so far.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, YUANPEI — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: LI, YUANPEI
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.