Using PSMA-PET imaging to improve prostate cancer surgery outcomes
Official title: PSMA-PET to Guide Prostatectomy: Can PSMA-PET Appropriately Modify Surgery, Reduce Nerve Damage and Optimize Quality-of-Life?
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11038037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new imaging method called PSMA-PET to help doctors plan better surgeries for men with prostate cancer by showing how far the cancer has spread, which could lead to better results and a happier recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,901 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA258994-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are scheduled for prostatectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced prostate cancer that has spread extensively or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a specialized imaging technique called PSMA-PET to enhance surgical planning for prostate cancer patients. By accurately identifying the extent of cancer spread beyond the prostate, the study aims to help surgeons determine whether nerve-sparing or more aggressive surgical approaches are necessary. This could lead to better surgical outcomes and improved quality of life for patients after surgery. The research involves comparing the effectiveness of PSMA-PET with standard imaging methods to guide treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise surgeries that minimize nerve damage and enhance the quality of life for prostate cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques in cancer treatment planning, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahler, Clinton David — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Bahler, Clinton David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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Pelvic fascia-sparing radical prostatectomy: a better-path to fewer side effects
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This project develops cameras and safe fluorescent dyes to show prostate cancer margins and nearby nerves in real time during prostate removal surgery for men with prostate cancer.
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PSMA-PET imaging to guide prostate removal and protect nerves
This will see if a PSMA-PET scan using the 68Ga-P16-093 tracer can help surgeons choose nerve- and muscle-sparing surgery versus wider removal for men having prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
-
Pelvic fascia-sparing prostate surgery
This research compares a pelvic fascia-sparing prostate removal to standard prostate surgery to try to lower long-term urinary and sexual side effects for men with localized prostate cancer.
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.