Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), under its Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research program (CFDA 93.394), awarded The Leland Stanford Junior University a Project Grant of $626,743 on July 7, 2026, to develop intraoperative molecular imaging technology for lung cancer tumor localization during surgery. The research focuses on validating panitumumab-IRDye800 (PAN800), a novel fluorescent imaging agent combining panitumumab (an epidermal growth factor receptor antibody) with a near-infrared fluorescent dye. This molecular imaging approach is designed to enable surgeons to accurately identify and visualize tumors in real-time during surgical procedures without exposing patients to radiation or conventional diagnostic complications, while supporting adequate surgical margin assessment to reduce recurrence risk.

The project, which extends through June 30, 2031, addresses a critical clinical need in early-stage lung cancer treatment, where current tumor localization techniques rely on cumbersome equipment and radiation exposure. PAN800 offers advantages over existing FDA-approved agents, including capability to image squamous cell carcinoma and lymph nodes, compatibility with standard surgical cameras, and a low adverse event profile. Stanford's research will contribute to advancing diagnostic methods that facilitate earlier cancer detection and improved treatment response prediction, consistent with the NCI's strategic priorities in cancer screening and early detection innovation.