Developing a new imaging tool to visualize radiopharmaceuticals in living organisms

Three-dimensional imaging of radiopharmaceutical distribution in multicellular organism at cellular resolution

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · NIH-11049135

This study is working on a new imaging tool that helps doctors see how special medicines used in scans spread inside living tissues, which could lead to better treatments and safer therapies for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11049135 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a cutting-edge imaging instrument that can visualize the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in three dimensions within living multicellular organisms. By utilizing advanced radioluminescence microscopy, the project aims to overcome the limitations of current imaging techniques, which struggle with resolution in thicker samples. This new approach will enhance our understanding of how these clinical tracers behave at the cellular level, potentially leading to better interpretations of nuclear imaging results. Additionally, it will facilitate the testing of new radiopharmaceuticals using patient-derived organoids, ensuring safer and more effective therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who may benefit from advanced imaging techniques in nuclear medicine, particularly those with conditions requiring precise radiopharmaceutical distribution analysis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require nuclear imaging or those with conditions that do not involve the use of radiopharmaceuticals may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic imaging and more effective treatments for patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using radioluminescence microscopy is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.