Using bioluminescence for real-time brain imaging in cancer treatment
Application of autobioluminescence toward continuous and real-time in vitro/in vivo pre-clinical brain imaging for disease therapeutics
This study is testing a new way to see how glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, behaves and responds to treatments by using special models that naturally glow, so patients won’t need any extra injections for imaging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10292106 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for imaging glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, using patient-derived models that emit light without needing additional chemicals. By creating bioluminescent models, researchers aim to continuously and noninvasively monitor tumor behavior and treatment responses over time. This approach seeks to overcome limitations of traditional imaging techniques that require injections of light-activating substances, which can interfere with accurate assessments due to the blood-brain barrier. The goal is to enhance the understanding of glioblastoma progression and improve the evaluation of new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or non-cancerous brain conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: While bioluminescent imaging has been used in other contexts, this specific application for glioblastoma is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Millet, Larry J. — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Millet, Larry J.
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.