Predicting who responds to preoperative therapy for rectal cancer using combined photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
Official title: Predicting neoadjuvant treatment response of locally advanced rectal cancer using co-registered endo-rectal photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11328818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study is testing a new imaging method to better predict which locally advanced rectal cancer patients will respond to preoperative treatment so some may avoid unnecessary surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034398-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11328818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and planned for potential subsequent surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for neoadjuvant therapy or not considering surgery after treatment may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This research uses co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging to look at tumor blood vessels before and after neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. By analyzing how the tumor responds to treatment at a vascular level, doctors may identify complete responders earlier. If successful, the approach could help tailor surgery decisions and reduce treatment-related harm for patients. The study will enroll patients through a university hospital setting and use advanced imaging during standard care visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging approach could help doctors decide who might avoid surgery after preoperative therapy, sparing some patients from major operations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with photoacoustic imaging shows promise in mapping tumor vascular changes, but this precise co-registered modality in rectal cancer is emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Quing — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Quing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using advanced imaging to predict treatment response in rectal cancer
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-
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People with HER2‑positive locally advanced rectal cancer will receive tucatinib plus trastuzumab up front to shrink tumors and possibly avoid radiation or surgery.
-
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This study is looking at how a new blood test can help doctors figure out which patients with locally advanced rectal cancer will respond well to their treatment before they start, so they can tailor the therapy to each person and avoid unnecessary side effects.
-
Effects of aerobic training on cancer treatment tolerability in rectal cancer patients
This study is looking at how different amounts of aerobic exercise can help people with locally advanced rectal cancer feel better and handle their treatment more easily, and it’s designed for patients who are about to start their cancer therapy.
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.