Non-invasive scans that reveal molecular features inside tumors

Annotating Cancer Biology through Non-Invasive Molecular Imaging

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11143865

Advanced non-invasive imaging scans that show molecular targets inside tumors to help people with cancer and their doctors better understand and personalize 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-11143865 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project develops and uses advanced molecular imaging scans that show specific biological targets inside tumors without surgery. Researchers create and label imaging agents in the lab, test them in preclinical models, and bring the safest candidates into human imaging at the clinic. They are also working to convert some imaging agents into theranostics that can both image a target and deliver targeted therapy. The program combines chemistry, radiotracer development, pharmacology, and engineering and includes imaging studies performed at the research center.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a diagnosed cancer who can travel to the research center and are eligible for PET/SPECT or related molecular imaging procedures.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the specific molecular targets being imaged, who cannot safely undergo imaging (for example pregnancy or severe comorbidities), or who cannot access the center are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide clearer, personalized information about a patient's tumor biology and help guide more targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Related molecular imaging methods like FDG-PET and PSMA imaging have already improved cancer detection and management, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals are an active, promising area of development.

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.