Real-time label-free imaging to help surgeons see brain tumors during surgery
Label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging for intraoperative real-time guidance of neurological procedures
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11237621
A special label-free light-based camera is used during brain tumor surgery to show surgeons which tissue is tumor and which is healthy in real time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you need brain tumor surgery, the team uses label-free Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIm), a light-based tool that maps tissue biochemistry without dyes. FLIm scans the exposed brain and the images are matched to your preoperative MRI and projected onto the surgical microscope so the surgeon sees diagnostic information on the operating field. The study builds computer classifiers from FLIm signals to tell tumor from normal brain and aims to display those results fast enough to guide biopsies and resection. All scans are done during routine surgery and the team will compare FLIm findings with biopsy and postoperative imaging to measure accuracy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults scheduled for brain tumor biopsy or surgical resection at the treating center who can safely undergo intraoperative optical imaging are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not having surgery, whose tumors are inaccessible to optical imaging, or whose care is at centers not using the FLIm system would not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help surgeons remove more tumor while sparing healthy brain, improving diagnosis and reducing the need for repeat operations.
How similar studies have performed: Other intraoperative optical methods such as 5-ALA fluorescence have improved tumor detection, but label-free FLIm is a newer approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARCU, LAURA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: MARCU, LAURA
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer