What will the VIVID Do?

The Clinical Trial

The VIVID project is conducting a Phase 0/1 clinical trial to test whether immune cells, labelled with a novel type of fluorine-based nanoparticle, can be safely tracked in patients with colorectal cancer using non-invasive imaging techniques. These particles are designed for detection, not treatment. By following where the labelled immune cells go, we will understand how well they infiltrate tumours better, how detectable the cells are over time, and whether the technique can be used in future trials to personalise treatment or monitor response.

In this first trial, we will:

  • Isolate immune cells from each patient

  • Label the cells with nanoparticles outside the body (ex vivo)

  • Reintroduce the labeled cells into the patient

  • Track their migration to the tumour using non-radioactive imaging (such as 19F MRI) and endoscopy

The study will not interfere with standard cancer treatments, and will be conducted under strict clinical and ethical oversight. The primary goal is to answer:

Can we track these cells inside the human body safely and clearly enough to guide future therapies?

FAQs

What is a Phase 0 / Phase 1 clinical trial?

Phase 0 and Phase 1 trials are the first steps in testing new technologies in humans, but they serve different purposes:

  • Phase 0 trials are exploratory. They involve a very small number of participants and focus on how the body handles the compound — for instance, where it goes, how long it stays, and whether it reaches its target. There is no therapeutic intent — it's not about treating the disease, but about validating safety, delivery, and detection.

  • Phase 1 trials go a step further. They typically focus on safety, tolerability, and sometimes dose escalation. In drug development, this is often where side effects and pharmacokinetics are carefully documented.

Can I participate in the trial?

At this stage, participation is limited to a small number of carefully selected patients through clinical partners. If the study expands in the future, we will share updates here.

Will this replace current cancer treatments?

No. This trial does not provide treatment and will not interfere with your ongoing care. It is designed to test whether we can safely track immune cells — not to treat the disease. However tracking cell therapies will allow for improvement of current options.

What will happen during the trial?

We collect your immune cells, label them with imaging nanoparticles, return them to your body, and then use non-invasive imaging to track them. The study includes imaging appointments, but aims to keep your experience as low-burden as possible.

How safe is it?

The nanoparticles used are non-radioactive and have been thoroughly tested in laboratory models. The trial is approved by medical ethics committees and follows strict safety protocols.

How can I get more information?

You can reach out to your clinical care team or contact us directly through the Contact page. We'll share updates as the study progresses.

What will happen to the results?

The data from this study will be used to evaluate whether our method works safely and reliably. If successful, it could pave the way for better diagnostics and treatment monitoring in cancer and beyond. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and shared with the public in an accessible way.

Will this help me personally?

While the trial itself may not affect your treatment outcome, it’s an important first step in building tools that could benefit future patients by improving how we monitor and personalise immune-based therapies.

Is this available outside the trial?

Not yet. This is the first-in-human test of the approach. If it works as expected, we hope to develop future studies that bring the technology closer to clinical use.