Using special nanoparticles to improve brain cancer surgery through the nose.

Polymeric Micelles for Targeted Delivery of Contrast Agents Through the Nose-to-Brain Route in Image-Guided Brain Cancer Surgery

NIH-funded research St. John's University · NIH-10935078

This study is looking at a new way to help brain cancer surgeons find tumors more easily during surgery by using special tiny carriers that deliver imaging agents through the nose, which could lead to safer and more effective surgeries for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. John's University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Queens, United States)
Project IDNIH-10935078 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing brain cancer surgery by developing polymeric micelles that can deliver imaging agents through the nose to help surgeons identify tumors more accurately. The approach involves creating a system where the imaging agents remain inactive until they reach the tumor, allowing for clearer differentiation between cancerous and normal tissue during surgery. By providing real-time optical guidance, this method aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of removing healthy brain tissue. Patients may benefit from more precise surgeries that could lead to better recovery and outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing surgery for brain tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with brain tumors that are not operable or those who are not candidates for surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective brain cancer surgeries with improved tumor removal and reduced damage to healthy tissue.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging agents for tumor identification, making this approach a potentially significant advancement in surgical techniques.

Where this research is happening

Queens, 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 Brain Cancer
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.