Wearable fluorescence loupe to help surgeons spot brain tumor tissue
Official title: Development of a Wearable Fluorescence Imaging Device for IntraoperativeIdentification of Brain Tumors
Funded at Biopticstechnology, LLC · NIH-10933403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lightweight device that helps surgeons see glowing tumor tissue during brain operations for people with malignant gliomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biopticstechnology, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $962,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R42CA243600-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people scheduled for surgical resection of malignant gliomas or other brain tumors who are eligible to receive an approved intraoperative fluorescent agent (for example, 5-ALA).
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not take up fluorescent dyes or who are not having surgery are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this device.
What this research studies
This project is building a small wearable imaging attachment that fits on the surgeon's eye loupes and makes tumor tissue light up after you receive a fluorescent dye such as 5-ALA. The device aims to provide real-time, cancer-specific visualization in the operating room without the cost and bulk of large fluorescence microscopes. Prototype devices have already been used in a small number of patients during surgery and are being refined for broader clinical use. The team plans further development and testing in surgical settings to improve tumor removal while protecting healthy brain tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could allow surgeons to remove more tumor safely, which may improve outcomes and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Fluorescence-guided surgery with agents like 5-ALA has improved resection rates in prior clinical trials, but wearable loupe-style imaging devices are newer and have been tested in only small patient groups so far.
Where this research is happening
-
Biopticstechnology, LLC
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Guoqiang — Biopticstechnology, LLC
- Study coordinator: Yu, Guoqiang
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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.