Using special dyes to help surgeons see nerves during prostate surgery
Official title: Clinical Translation of Near Infrared Nerve-Specific Fluorophores for Nerve-sparing Prostatectomy
Funded at Trace Biosciences INC · NIH-10651903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special dye that helps surgeons see and protect nerve tissues during prostate surgery, aiming to improve recovery and reduce the chances of nerve damage for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trace Biosciences INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beaverton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $810,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA247639-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10651903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy who are concerned about the risk of nerve damage during surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing prostate surgery or those with conditions that contraindicate the use of fluorophores may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving surgical outcomes for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy by using near-infrared fluorophores that specifically label nerve tissue. The goal is to enhance the surgeon's ability to identify and preserve nerves during surgery, which can significantly reduce the risk of nerve damage. The approach involves administering a targeted dye that binds to nerve tissues, making them visible during the procedure. This innovative technique aims to minimize complications associated with nerve injuries, which can lead to long-term disability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer prostate surgeries with fewer nerve injuries, improving recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using fluorescence-guided surgery have shown promise in other surgical fields, indicating potential success for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Trace Biosciences INC
Beaverton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barth, Connor William — Trace Biosciences INC
- Study coordinator: Barth, Connor William
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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.