# Project 2: Near-Infrared Targeted Tracers for Intraoperative Identification of NSCLC

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2024 · $398,594

## Abstract

Project Summary
Our goal is to develop a fluorescence guided imaging solution to lung cancer. Each year, lung cancer
is the biggest cause of cancer related deaths in the US (>160,000 people) and the world (1.4 million
fatalities). The primary strategy in this Project is to develop, characterize and test a combination of four
targeted near-infrared contrast agents that will be used in humans to improve procedures for patients
with lung cancer. It is clear that using fluorescent targeted agents during cancer surgery can highlight
cancer cells for clinicians, thus several groups are testing molecular probes. Our research will
specifically focus on lung cancer. Lung cancer is a very heterogeneous tumor due to the wide range
of offending agents that can cause this disease. The proposed work will optimize four distinct types of
contrast agents in a combination or cocktail for a translational intraoperative imaging clinical trials. The
first cocktail agents are composed of folate and GCPII conjugated to a NIR dye. These two contrast
agents are fully functional and are in human trial. However, together, they still miss a significant
proportion of patients with lung cancer. Thus, we will be focusing our efforts on two more agents, CAIX
and FAP, in this proposal. The goal of this Aim is to integrate the NIR tracers that are ready for clinical
use. We will be utilizing both murine models and spontaneous lung cancer models in pet canines.
Integration of these four agents will require studying the changes in sensitivity and specificity. It will
also require examining the timing of these agents and the interactions of these tracers. If this cocktail
is successful, it will provide a complete solution for the number one cancer killer in the United States.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10907443
- **Project number:** 5P01CA254859-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** PHILIP Stewart LOW
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $398,594
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-06-16 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10907443

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10907443, Project 2: Near-Infrared Targeted Tracers for Intraoperative Identification of NSCLC (5P01CA254859-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10907443. Licensed CC0.

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