Using imaging to understand how the immune system fights tumors

Non-invasive imaging of the anti-tumor immune response

['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10979158

This study is exploring a new way to use special imaging technology to see how well your immune system is responding to cancer treatments, especially immunotherapy, so that doctors can better understand who is benefiting from the treatment and who might need a different approach.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10979158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to monitor the immune response to cancer treatments, specifically immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade. By utilizing a novel imaging method called immuno-PET, the researchers aim to visualize and differentiate between patients who respond well to treatment and those who do not. The study involves tracking specific immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, allowing for early identification of treatment effectiveness. This approach could lead to more personalized cancer therapies based on individual patient responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing immunotherapy for cancer who are willing to participate in advanced imaging assessments.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving immunotherapy or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable more effective and tailored cancer treatments by identifying which patients are likely to benefit from specific immunotherapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to monitor immune responses in cancer treatment, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.