We are a translational science lab at the Medical University of South Carolina developing fluorescence imaging and sensor technologies to detect cancer earlier and guide surgeons through complex procedures in real time — bridging chemical discovery in the lab and real-world surgery in the operating room.
Because our principal investigator works as both an MD (treating cancer patients) and a PhD scientist (designing imaging agents), the lab covers the full translational pipeline in-house — from chemical dye conjugation and preclinical testing to launching human clinical trials.
Several imaging methods developed with our collaborators have already graduated into active human clinical trials.
The lab is part of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center — South Carolina's only NCI-designated cancer center.
About 10 million Americans have oral premalignant disease (such as leukoplakia), but only 7–10% of cases progress to cancer. We are developing a test in which a patient swishes a fluorescent dye that binds to known cancer biomarkers; a special camera then reveals which patches are high-risk — identifying dangerous lesions before they become aggressive cancers, and sparing low-risk patients from unnecessary treatment.
Read the MUSC story →Surgery in the face, neck and throat carries a risk of lifelong nerve damage and paralysis. We pioneered fluorescent imaging agents targeting the sodium channel Nav1.7 that make healthy nerves glow under surgical lights — helping surgeons maximize tumor removal while protecting the critical nerves around it.
We develop methods to visually map the olfactory system — how target molecules interact with the nasal pathways and brain. This work aims to advance understanding and treatment of severe anosmia (loss of smell).
Fluorescent dye conjugation and probe design targeting cancer and nerve biomarkers.
Validation of imaging agents in tissue and animal models.
Moving successful agents into first-in-human studies and clinical trials.
Real-time fluorescence guidance during cancer surgery — where it helps patients most.
Grants, awards, publications and conference presentations.
Dr. Dauren Adilbay was recognized as Head & Neck Researcher of the Year by the MUSC Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, honoring his contributions to fluorescence-guided surgery and molecular imaging research.
The Adilbay Lab presented an oral talk and posters at the World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC) 2025 (Sept 29 – Oct 3, Anchorage, Alaska).
About WMIC 2025 →Dr. Adilbay has been invited to present at the 2nd Annual Mike Toth Center Symposium on Precision Image-Guided Surgery (July 17, 2026, Boston) — held just before the American Head & Neck Society annual meeting. His talk: Molecular Imaging for Risk Assessment of Oral Premalignant Lesions, alongside speakers from Harvard, MSK, Vanderbilt and other leading institutions.
About the symposium →
We welcome motivated students, postdocs and collaborators interested in molecular imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery — and patients interested in participating in clinical trials.
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