# Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets for the Detection and Treatment of Nodal Metastases

> **NIH NIH F30** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $50,520

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and it results in the
second highest mortality rate amongst women with cancer. Although the treatment paradigm for breast cancer
has evolved in recent years, detection of metastases to regional lymph nodes remains a critical aspect of the
clinical protocol and has strong implications for recurrence and survival in patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged as a relatively low-morbidity option for the clinical evaluation of regional
lymphatic metastases, but this procedure relies on radioisotopes and also carries a relatively high false-negative
rate in detecting metastases. Alternative methods for sentinel lymph node detection and diagnosis have been
explored, but they are not without weaknesses and have yet to gain clinical traction.
To address the challenges in current clinical and research options, we propose ultrasound imaging of optically-
triggered phase-change perfluorocarbon nanodroplets. This contrast-enhanced imaging approach has the
potential to detect sentinel lymph nodes, to assess them for metastases, and to provide a vehicle for controlled
drug delivery and release. As such, this platform can have a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of
breast cancer nodal metastases. Therefore, the overall goal of our research strategy is to validate this platform
in a murine model of metastatic breast cancer. In Aim 1, we will optimize nanodroplets for lymphatic trafficking
and establish their ability to successfully detect the sentinel lymph node. In Aim 2, we will synthesize molecularly-
targeted nanodroplets and assess their ability to differentiate metastatic from non-metastatic sentinel nodes as
part of a multiplexed approach for nodal detection and diagnosis. In Aim 3, we will finally adapt nanodroplets to
deliver a therapeutic cargo locally and assess the efficacy of this strategy. We seek to deliver a theranostic option
for breast cancer metastases that can be adapted to an array of metastatic neoplastic diseases. Because
perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are synthesized from biocompatible reagents and are similar in composition to
clinically-approved microbubbles, the path towards clinical translation is more optimistic than with other
experimental agents.
The training plan proposed to accomplish these goals has been specifically designed to provide the PI with the
environment, training, and mentorship necessary to succeed as a clinically-minded independent researcher. The
PI will participate in formal training in the ethical conduct of research and translational research as well as in co-
curricular clinical experiences to prepare him for a future career as a physician-scientist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9970432
- **Project number:** 5F30CA216939-04
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Karl Yarmoska
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $50,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-18 → 2022-07-17

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9970432

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9970432, Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets for the Detection and Treatment of Nodal Metastases (5F30CA216939-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9970432. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*