Using advanced imaging to improve cancer surgery outcomes
Official title: Deep-learning assisted photoacoustic histology for real-time intraoperative pathological diagnosis
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11143460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique that helps surgeons see tissue samples in real-time during cancer surgeries, making it easier to ensure all cancerous cells are removed, which could lead to better recovery and fewer follow-up surgeries for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00EB034298-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing surgical procedures where accurate tumor margin assessment is critical.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with non-localized cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing intraoperative pathology for cancer surgeries by utilizing a novel imaging technique called photoacoustic histology. This method allows for real-time imaging of tissue samples during surgery, helping surgeons confirm that all cancerous tissue has been removed before closing the surgical site. By addressing limitations of traditional frozen section techniques, this approach aims to improve the accuracy of tumor margin assessments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes and reduced need for additional surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve surgical outcomes for cancer patients by ensuring complete tumor removal during the initial surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results indicate that similar imaging techniques have shown promise in improving intraoperative diagnostics, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Rui — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Rui
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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.