Systemic imaging probes for detecting tissue oxygen levels in cancer and other diseases
Official title: Enabling systemic delivery of europium-containing contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11514513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher aims to develop a new europium-based MRI contrast agent that can be given systemically to visualize oxygen levels (hypoxia) in cancer and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $73,092 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EB035631-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11514513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or other diseases where tissue hypoxia is important may benefit from improved MRI imaging using the new agent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to MRI or whose tumors do not rely on hypoxia imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project works on making a new europium(II) contrast agent that can be delivered through the bloodstream and still work well for MRI. It focuses on increasing how long the agent lasts in blood and how strong the signal is, so doctors can image hypoxia in tumors and other conditions. The work involves chemistry and imaging studies to optimize the agent’s properties in living systems. If successful, clinicians could use this agent to better diagnose and monitor diseases where low oxygen plays a role.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from improved MRI imaging of hypoxia, aiding diagnosis and management of cancer and other hypoxia-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown EuII-based agents can image hypoxia, with ongoing development to enable systemic delivery.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Matthew J — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Matthew J
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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.