New optical probes to better visualize cancer cells
Official title: Cherenkov luminescence mediated excitation of discrete lanthanide optical probes
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10753481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new imaging tools that help doctors see cancer cells more clearly while keeping healthy cells less visible, which could lead to better and less invasive ways to diagnose and treat cancer for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB030071-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancers, particularly those requiring precise imaging for treatment planning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those not requiring imaging for cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced optical imaging probes that can selectively illuminate cancer cells while minimizing the visibility of healthy cells. By utilizing luminescent lanthanide complexes, the study aims to create probes that are more water-soluble and biocompatible than traditional organic dyes, which often have limitations in their effectiveness. The goal is to enhance the precision of cancer diagnosis, surgical procedures, and monitoring of treatment responses through improved imaging techniques. Patients may benefit from more accurate and less invasive diagnostic methods as a result of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer diagnoses and improved surgical outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using luminescent probes for imaging, but this specific approach with lanthanide complexes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boros, Eszter — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Boros, Eszter
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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.