New technology for detecting cancer cells during surgery
Official title: Chip-Scale Intraoperative Optical Navigation with Immunotargeted Upconverting Nanoparticles
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11094079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging method that helps surgeons spot leftover cancer cells during surgery for breast and prostate cancers, using special technology to make it easier to see these cells in real-time, which could lead to better results and lower chances of cancer coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278672-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgery for breast or prostate cancer who are at risk of residual cancer cells being left behind.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not breast or prostate, or those not undergoing surgical intervention, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel imaging technique that can identify residual cancer cells during surgical procedures, particularly for breast and prostate cancers. By utilizing advanced nanotechnology and engineered antibodies, the approach aims to create highly sensitive optical probes that can be integrated into surgical tools. This will allow surgeons to visualize cancer cells in real-time, both on the surface and at deeper tissue levels, potentially improving surgical outcomes and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the accuracy of cancer surgeries, leading to better patient outcomes and lower rates of cancer recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanotechnology and advanced imaging techniques for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in surgical oncology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anwar, Mekhail — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Anwar, Mekhail
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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.