Using special nanoemulsions to detect cancer-related inflammation
Official title: Metallo-fluorocarbon nanoemulsion for PET detection of cancer inflammation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11093945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use special tiny bubbles that can help doctors see immune cells in tumors more clearly, which could lead to better treatment plans for cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,698 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279271-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from enhanced imaging techniques to assess their tumor microenvironment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer or those who do not have significant inflammation associated with their tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel imaging probe that can non-invasively detect tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which play a significant role in cancer progression and treatment response. By utilizing fluorocarbon nanoemulsions that encapsulate a radiometal, the study aims to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of imaging inflammatory sites in cancer patients. The approach involves injecting these nanoemulsions into the bloodstream, where they are taken up by macrophages at tumor sites, allowing for precise imaging of cancer-related inflammation. This could help in personalizing treatment strategies for patients based on their specific tumor microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer detection and more personalized treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to target macrophages in cancer, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahrens, Eric T. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ahrens, Eric T.
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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.