Using advanced imaging to predict treatment response in rectal cancer
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-11088143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with locally advanced rectal cancer by using new imaging methods to better understand how well they respond to treatment before surgery, which could help doctors make smarter choices and possibly spare some patients from unnecessary operations.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034398-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage rectal cancer or those who are not receiving neoadjuvant treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer by utilizing innovative imaging techniques. It aims to enhance the ability to predict how well patients will respond to neoadjuvant treatments, which are given before surgery. By employing co-registered endo-rectal photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, the study seeks to differentiate between post-treatment scars and residual tumors more accurately. This could lead to better treatment decisions and potentially avoid unnecessary surgeries for patients who achieve complete tumor response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for surgery in patients who respond completely to neoadjuvant therapy, thereby minimizing treatment-related complications and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer treatment assessment, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in patient care.
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.
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Predicting who responds to preoperative therapy for rectal cancer using combined photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
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.
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Blood tests to predict who will respond to pre-surgery therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
A blood-based test is being developed to predict which patients with locally advanced rectal cancer will respond to neoadjuvant chemoradiation before surgery.
-
Dose levels of aerobic exercise during cancer therapy for rectal cancer
A personalized exercise plan is tested to see how different amounts of aerobic training affect how well people with locally advanced rectal cancer tolerate their treatment.
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Tucatinib and trastuzumab given before other treatments for HER2‑positive rectal cancer
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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Identifying blood markers to predict treatment response in rectal cancer patients
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.