# Core C: In vivo Imaging, Dosimetry and Sensing of Photodynamic-Immune Responses and Synergies

> **NIH NIH P01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $157,689

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The central goal of the core to service the projects with measurement tools that they can use to control the
individualization of treatment, and while they may be imperfect markers, they can provide guidance as to the
optimal way to have synergistic combination treatments. The individual physiologic variation in immune response
and PDT are both known to be at least as variable as responses from traditional broadband therapies such as
surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. This core develops technologies and imaging tools that provide either direct
measurement of dosimetry or surrogate biomarkers of response that would have clinical translation potential.
These tools will be able to help: i) control PDT dosimetry; ii) sample for physio-biologic tissue responses, and iii)
predict for synergy between PDT and immunotherapies. The work with Project 1 in dermatology focuses on
Imaging PDT dosimetry by measuring the 3 core parameters of PDT, including: (i) oxygen, (ii) photosensitizer,
and (iii) light, and surrogates and combinations of these. Imaging Oxygen from inherent PpIX delayed
fluorescence was demonstrated here the first time. This tool will be optimized and developed into a controlled
handheld tool for experimental deployment in the clinic. PpIX dosimetry innovation has advanced to allow
cellphone measurement of levels, and is deployed at all clinics with low cost and high usability. Immune invasion
and response imaging are exceptionally hard to visualize, but tools to provide surrogates of this are explored. In
Project 2, pancreatic adenocarcinoma PDT and PDP Response Imaging is continued with analysis of CT scans
and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). Established studies of tissue stiffness mapping with EUS elastography and
CT changes are used and imaging surrogate biomarkers of PDP effect by Radiomics has been completed, and
a Radiomic index hypothesized. In Project 3, preclinical tissue stiffness & collagen mapping in situ are developed
by UV fluorescence imaging of fresh tissue. This system will be used to iteratively determine how PDP changes
in PDAC can be related to the definition of a quantitative Radiomic index. The Core develops tools for these
projects and provides guidance on technology innovation and development as these are iterated on.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10929411
- **Project number:** 5P01CA084203-19
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian William Pogue
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $157,689
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1999-12-01 → 2028-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10929411

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10929411, Core C: In vivo Imaging, Dosimetry and Sensing of Photodynamic-Immune Responses and Synergies (5P01CA084203-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10929411. Licensed CC0.

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