Advanced Imaging for Kidney Scarring
PET Imaging of Renal Fibrosis
This project is developing a new type of scan to find and measure scarring in the kidneys, which could help people with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many adults, and current ways to track its progression, like blood tests or biopsies, have limitations. Kidney biopsies are invasive and carry risks, while blood tests aren't always sensitive enough to show early changes. This project is working on a new type of scan, called PET imaging, to safely and accurately measure scarring (fibrosis) throughout the entire kidney. This could help doctors better understand how kidney disease is progressing and guide treatment decisions without needing a biopsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on adults aged 21 and older who have chronic kidney disease, including those with Alport syndrome or kidney transplants.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic kidney disease or those who are not adults may not directly benefit from this specific imaging technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new PET scan could offer a safer and more accurate way to detect and monitor kidney scarring, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatments for chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: This project addresses an urgent unmet need for a non-invasive way to measure kidney scarring, suggesting this specific PET imaging approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caravan, Peter D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Caravan, Peter D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.