Using imaging technology to measure skin changes in scleroderma
Official title: Assessing spatial frequency domain imaging as an objective quantification of longitudinal skin changes in scleroderma
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11048278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to take pictures of the skin to help people with scleroderma see how their skin is changing over time, making it easier for doctors to track their condition and how well treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 2, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $173,719 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR085317-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with scleroderma who experience skin changes associated with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with scleroderma who do not exhibit significant skin changes or those with advanced disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging technique called spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) to objectively measure skin changes in patients with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. The study aims to provide a more accurate and reliable method for assessing skin fibrosis compared to traditional methods, which can be subjective and inconsistent. By evaluating the effectiveness of SFDI, the researchers hope to improve monitoring of skin disease progression and response to treatment. Patients will undergo non-invasive imaging to capture detailed information about their skin condition over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better monitoring and treatment options for patients with scleroderma, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could be effective in quantifying skin changes in scleroderma.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bujor, Andreea Monica — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Bujor, Andreea Monica
Related research
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Autoantibodies define scleroderma subgroups with distinct cancer links
Researchers are studying how specific autoantibodies in scleroderma patients relate to cancer timing and risk.
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.