Using augmented reality to improve surgery for head and neck cancer
Official title: Augmented Reality to Guide Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10950144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how using augmented reality can help surgeons better see and remove any leftover cancer during surgery for head and neck cancer, which could lead to better outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $216,771 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA293255-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancers, particularly those at risk of positive surgical margins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with head and neck cancers that do not require surgical intervention or those who are not candidates for surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance surgical outcomes for head and neck cancer patients by utilizing augmented reality (AR) technology. The approach involves creating a virtual 3D model of the cancerous tissue that has been removed, which helps surgeons accurately identify and resect any remaining cancerous margins during surgery. By superimposing this 3D model onto the surgical site, surgeons can visualize complex anatomical structures more effectively, potentially reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. The study will assess the accuracy of this method in real surgical settings with actual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise surgeries, reducing the likelihood of cancer recurrence and improving overall patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using augmented reality for surgical guidance, indicating that this approach could be effective in improving surgical outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Topf, Michael — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Topf, Michael
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.