Nose-delivered glowing marker to guide brain tumor surgery
Polymeric Micelles for Targeted Delivery of Contrast Agents Through the Nose-to-Brain Route in Image-Guided Brain Cancer Surgery
This project is testing a nose-delivered fluorescent agent that lights up brain tumors so surgeons can see and remove them more accurately in adults with brain cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. John's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient facing brain tumor surgery, you might get a nose-spray of tiny particles that carry a dye and stay dark until they reach tumor tissue, where they light up under special imaging. The team will design polymeric micelles that hold a near-infrared dye in an 'off' state and switch 'on' when they release at tumor sites. They plan to give the agent through the nose so it can reach the brain and provide real-time optical guidance during surgery. First they will make and characterize the micelles in the lab, then test whether intranasal delivery gives clear images useful to surgeons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with brain tumors who are scheduled for surgical resection and able to receive intranasal treatments would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Children, people not having surgery, or patients who cannot receive intranasal medications or whose tumors do not take up the agent may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help surgeons remove more tumor while avoiding healthy brain tissue, potentially improving outcomes and reducing complications.
How similar studies have performed: Other fluorescence-guided surgery agents like 5-ALA and ICG have improved tumor visualization, but using intranasal polymeric micelles with an on/off near-infrared switch is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Queens, United States
- St. John's University — Queens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Hyunah — St. John's University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Hyunah
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 below.