Robotic bronchoscopy with special cameras to find lung tumors
Project 3: Multispectral Imaging and Robotic Bronchoscopy Devices for Precision Lung Tumor Detection
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11132702
This project combines special imaging cameras, targeted tracers, and a robot-guided bronchoscopy to help doctors find and sample suspicious lung nodules in people with undiagnosed lung spots.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11132702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be offered a newer bronchoscopy that uses tiny multispectral cameras and flexible robotic tools to reach lung nodules. The team is also developing targeted imaging tracers that make tumor tissue light up during the procedure. Together the robots and cameras aim to guide biopsy needles more precisely while capturing both anatomical and molecular information in real time. The work is being done at clinical sites with engineers and doctors working together to make the tools safe and practical for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with undiagnosed lung nodules or suspected non-small-cell lung cancer who are candidates for bronchoscopy and biopsy would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People whose nodules are unreachable by bronchoscopy, who are too frail for procedures, or who decline invasive testing would likely not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors detect lung tumors earlier and make biopsies more accurate and safer.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies of robotic bronchoscopy and molecular imaging have shown promising results, but these combined multispectral and tracer-guided approaches are still being developed.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIE, SHUMING — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: NIE, SHUMING
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.