New tools for better cancer surgery that help see nerves and cancer at the same time
Official title: Multichannel Fluorescence Guided Surgery Tools Enabling Simultaneous Cancer Margin and Nerve Visualization in Prostatectomy
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11070400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools to help surgeons see both cancer and important nerves during prostate cancer surgery, which could lead to better results and fewer side effects like incontinence and impotence for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,777 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271532-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are considering prostatectomy as a treatment option.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have advanced prostate cancer that is not amenable to surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving prostate cancer surgery by developing advanced tools that allow surgeons to visualize both cancerous tissue and critical nerve structures simultaneously during the procedure. By using fluorescence-guided surgery techniques, the project aims to enhance the clarity of images seen by surgeons, which could lead to better outcomes in terms of cancer removal and nerve preservation. The approach involves the use of specialized contrast agents that highlight these areas in real-time, potentially reducing complications such as incontinence and impotence that can arise from surgery. The goal is to create a safer and more effective surgical experience for patients undergoing prostatectomy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve surgical outcomes for prostate cancer patients by reducing the risk of nerve damage and ensuring complete cancer removal.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using fluorescence-guided techniques for surgical applications, indicating potential success for this novel approach in prostate cancer surgery.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New Diaphragm-like implant to prevent urinary leakage after prostate cancer surgery
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Pelvic fascia-sparing radical prostatectomy: a better-path to fewer side effects
A large research project tests a new surgical approach for prostate cancer that may reduce urinary leakage and erectile problems after surgery.
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Preserving Erectile Function during Robotic Prostate Surgery by Measuring Nerve-Sparing Technique
Aims to create an objective way to measure how well surgeons perform the nerve-sparing part of robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery to help patients keep erectile function.
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Tools that light up cancer and nerves during prostate removal
This project develops cameras and safe fluorescent dyes to show prostate cancer margins and nearby nerves in real time during prostate removal surgery for men with prostate cancer.
-
PSMA-PET imaging to guide prostate removal and protect nerves
This will see if a PSMA-PET scan using the 68Ga-P16-093 tracer can help surgeons choose nerve- and muscle-sparing surgery versus wider removal for men having prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
-
Pelvic fascia-sparing prostate surgery
This research compares a pelvic fascia-sparing prostate removal to standard prostate surgery to try to lower long-term urinary and sexual side effects for men with localized 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.