Using light technology to improve cancer surgery outcomes
Validation of Light Scattering Spectroscopy for Intra-operative Margin Guidance during Oral Cancer Resection
This study is testing a new technique called Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy (ESS) to help surgeons better identify and remove cancerous tissue during oral cancer surgery, which could lead to fewer recurrences and better outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10854947 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving surgical outcomes for patients with oral cancer by using a technique called Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy (ESS) to better identify cancerous tissue during surgery. Currently, surgeons rely on visual inspection and random sampling to determine if they have removed all cancerous cells, which can lead to high rates of recurrence. The study aims to validate the effectiveness of ESS in providing real-time feedback on tissue characteristics, potentially allowing for more precise excisions and reducing the likelihood of leaving behind malignant cells. By enhancing the accuracy of surgical margins, this approach could lead to better long-term outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral cancer who are scheduled for surgical resection.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage oral cancer or those who are not undergoing surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the recurrence rates of oral cancer by ensuring more complete removal of cancerous tissues during surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using optical technologies for tissue differentiation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grillone, Gregory a — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Grillone, Gregory a
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.