Near-infrared imaging to help find lung cancer during procedures
Intraoperative Near Infrared Molecular Imaging of Lung Cancer
This project tests special near-infrared dyes and cameras to help doctors see and remove non-small cell lung cancer during bronchoscopy and surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be given a targeted dye before a diagnostic bronchoscopy or lung operation that makes cancer cells glow under near-infrared (NIR) light. During the procedure, doctors would use new NIR-capable cameras integrated with regular white-light scopes to look for glowing tumors, lymph nodes, and hidden disease. The team is developing several targeted tracers (a "cocktail" of dyes) aimed at different tumor markers and refining camera systems that can detect those signals in the operating room. The project aims to translate these tools into routine clinical use so biopsies and surgeries miss fewer tumors and achieve clearer margins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer who are scheduled for diagnostic bronchoscopy or surgical removal of lung nodules at participating centers would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with small-cell lung cancer, those not undergoing bronchoscopy or surgery, or patients who cannot receive imaging dyes (for example due to allergy) are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors find tumors and cancerous lymph nodes more reliably during procedures, lowering the chance of missed tumors and repeat operations.
How similar studies have performed: Related fluorescence-guided surgery methods have shown promise in other cancers and in early lung trials, but using targeted NIR tracer cocktails with integrated cameras for NSCLC is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singhal, Sunil — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Singhal, Sunil
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.