Using tiny silica particles to improve surgery for high-risk prostate cancer

Molecular Phenotyping and Image-Guidance for Surgical Treatment of High-Risk Prostate Cancer Using Ultrasmall Silica Nanoparticles

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10784691

This study is looking to help patients with high-risk prostate cancer by using special tiny particles that light up cancerous tissues during surgery, making it easier for doctors to see and remove all the cancer while reducing the chances of it coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10784691 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing surgical outcomes for patients with high-risk prostate cancer by developing advanced imaging techniques. It aims to create ultrabright silica nanoparticles that can specifically target and identify cancerous tissues during surgery. By using these nanoparticles, surgeons can better visualize and remove metastatic lymph nodes and ensure that no cancerous cells are left behind, potentially reducing the risk of recurrence. The approach combines molecular phenotyping with real-time imaging to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer who may require surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with low-risk prostate cancer 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 surgical treatments for high-risk prostate cancer, improving survival rates and reducing complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted imaging techniques for cancer surgery, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.