Polymeric micelles delivering nose-to-brain imaging for brain cancer surgery
Official title: Polymeric Micelles for Targeted Delivery of Contrast Agents Through the Nose-to-Brain Route in Image-Guided Brain Cancer Surgery
Funded at Fairleigh Dickinson University · NIH-11396363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to help brain cancer patients by giving surgeons real-time, nose-delivered imaging that highlights cancer tissue during brain tumor surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fairleigh Dickinson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Teaneck, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $144,770 |
| NIH project number | 7R16GM154661-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brain tumors eligible for surgical resection who are undergoing brain surgery and could benefit from enhanced intraoperative imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit are those not undergoing brain tumor surgery or whose tumors do not respond to the imaging strategy.
What this research studies
This project develops special polymeric micelles carrying a near-infrared imaging signal that lights up tumors only when released, enabling clearer distinction between cancer and normal brain tissue during operation. It also tests intranasal delivery to bring the imaging agent to the brain, with the goal of providing real-time guidance in the operating room. The approach is designed to be safe and practical for surgical teams, potentially reducing residual tumor and preserving healthy brain tissue. By improving intraoperative visualization, surgeons may achieve more complete resections with fewer neurological side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more accurate tumor removal and better preservation of normal brain function during surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical imaging approaches with tumor-targeted fluorescence have shown promise in improving tumor delineation in some models, though clinical translation remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Hyunah — Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Hyunah
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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.