Non-invasive molecular imaging to map cancer biology

Annotating Cancer Biology through Non-Invasive Molecular Imaging

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11210609

This work creates non-invasive scans that show molecular features of tumors to help people with cancer get more personalized care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11210609 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project is developing special non-invasive scans that show molecular features inside tumors so you can see what is driving your cancer. The team makes and tests tracer molecules that light up specific cancer targets using PET and other imaging tools, and they are working to turn some tracers into theranostics that can both find and deliver therapy. Lab studies in cells and animals will be followed by early human imaging to measure how well the tracers reflect tumor biology and treatment delivery. The goal is to give doctors more precise, personalized information to guide care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with solid tumors who are willing to undergo specialized molecular imaging scans and possibly join early-phase imaging studies.

Not a fit: People with cancers that are not targeted by the specific tracers being developed or who cannot travel to the study center are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these imaging tools could help doctors pick treatments based on what your tumor actually looks like at the molecular level and may enable targeted theranostic treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Some related molecular imaging methods have already become clinical PET tracers and early theranostic approaches show promise, but many elements of this work are novel and early-stage.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer BiologyCancer TreatmentCancersDiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.