Using MRI to visualize immune cells in tumors
MRI of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes using MRI-cytometry
This study is testing a new MRI method to help doctors see immune cells in tumors that fight cancer, which could make it easier and safer to check how well patients are responding to certain cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10916322 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new MRI technique called MRI-cytometry to visualize tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which are immune cells that can attack cancer. The goal is to create a method that does not require any external agents, making it safer and more cost-effective. By accurately imaging TILs, the research aims to improve the assessment of how well patients are responding to immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, which are a common form of cancer treatment. This could help avoid misdiagnoses of tumor progression and allow for timely adjustments to treatment plans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing immune-checkpoint blockade therapy.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving immune-checkpoint blockade therapy or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate monitoring of cancer treatment responses, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies, making it a potentially groundbreaking method.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Junzhong — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Xu, Junzhong
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.