Developing advanced materials to improve cancer imaging with PET scans
Official title: Exploring concepts in nanophotonics and metamaterials to create a 'super-scintillator' for time-of-flight positron emission tomography
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10685592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new technology that could make PET scans better for spotting cancer and heart disease, helping doctors see important details more clearly so they can provide more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $196,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB033551-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing PET scans for cancer or heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require PET imaging or those who are not candidates for radiolabeled contrast agents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing positron emission tomography (PET), a key imaging technique used to diagnose and monitor cancer and heart disease. The team aims to create a novel 'super-scintillator' using metamaterials, which will improve the quality and accuracy of PET images. By injecting a radiolabeled contrast agent into patients, the technology will allow for better visualization of disease biomarkers, leading to more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. The study will explore how advancements in imaging technology can significantly impact patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer diagnoses and improved treatment monitoring for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing imaging techniques, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Craig S — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Levin, Craig S
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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.