# A new highly sensitive targeted imaging method for early tumor detection

> **NIH NIH R21** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2024 · $191,337

## Abstract

SUMMARY
 The project is aimed at the development of a new highly sensitive multi-tumor type imaging procedure. The
imaging is based on a marker of the tumor blood vessels, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR),
which was shown by us to be present in all major cancer types and at all stages, advanced and incipient. The
first Aim is to assemble the imaging agents and to test them in cell cultures. Anti-FSHR antibodies will be labeled
with imaging agents, tested for binding to cells in culture that produce FSHR and will be optimized by selecting
the best antibodies. The second Aim is to test the performance of the imaging agents in mice. The imaging
agents will be delivered by intravenous injection in mice that carry tumors formed by implanting human tumor
cells and the tumors will be imaged. A tumor cell line that generate metastatic lesions in mice will be used to
determine the smallest tumor size that can be detected. Tumors will be analyzed in parallel by
immunohistochemistry in tissue sections, in order to determine the yield and sensitivity of detection by imaging.
The procedure can contribute to a national priority in cancer research – to reduce substantially cancer mortality
by early detection of asymptomatic tumors. Early detection increases substantially the chance of successful
therapy, and significantly reduces the overall cost of cancer treatment. The method could be initially tested for
periodic screening of patients who are at high risk of developing cancer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10837132
- **Project number:** 5R21CA274007-02
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** AURELIAN RADU
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $191,337
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-05-08 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10837132

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10837132, A new highly sensitive targeted imaging method for early tumor detection (5R21CA274007-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10837132. Licensed CC0.

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