Using optical imaging to improve laser surgery for laryngeal cancer

Combination optical imaging to guide transoral laser microsurgery in larynx cancer

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10946893

This study is testing a new way to help doctors see the edges of laryngeal tumors better during surgery, using a special imaging agent, so that patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer can have safer surgeries and a lower chance of the cancer coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10946893 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for laryngeal cancer by incorporating optical imaging techniques. The study will utilize a specific imaging agent, panitumumab-IRDye800, to help surgeons better visualize tumor borders during surgery, which is crucial for ensuring complete tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue. By addressing the limitations of current surgical methods, this research seeks to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Patients undergoing TLM for early-stage laryngeal tumors may benefit from this innovative approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early-stage laryngeal cancer who are scheduled to undergo transoral laser microsurgery.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer or those not eligible for TLM may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical precision and better long-term outcomes for patients with laryngeal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with fluorescence-guided surgery in other cancer types, suggesting potential for similar benefits in laryngeal cancer.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.