Phase-changing ultrasound contrast agents to image immune cells in deep tissue
Official title: Phase Changing Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Deep Tissue Imaging of Cellular Immunotherapies
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11399850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ultrasound contrast agent helps doctors watch how engineered immune cells move and work in deep tumor tissue, so treatments can be tailored.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,702,282 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA289553-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients receiving adoptive cellular therapies for cancer who may benefit from imaging-guided treatment adjustments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing cell-based immunotherapy or without access to ultrasound imaging enhancements may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create tiny, phase-changing particles that live inside immune cells used for cancer therapy and let doctors visualize these cells with ultrasound deep inside the body. The approach focuses on macrophages engineered with CAR technology as a model to track where cells go and how they behave during treatment. The researchers will develop these nanoemulsions so they can be internalized by cells, persist for days, and generate clear ultrasound signals without harming the cells. By providing real-time imaging feedback, the work could improve timing of interventions and early detection of adverse events. The ultimate goal is to better understand and optimize cell-based immunotherapies for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more precise, safer, and effective CAR-based therapies guided by real-time imaging of their own immune cells.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has shown ultrasound imaging can monitor immune cells with novel contrast agents, suggesting potential but requiring further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medina, Scott Hammond — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Medina, Scott Hammond
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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.