Faster, clearer whole-body PET scans using time-of-flight technology
Time-of-Flight PET for Improved Whole-Body Imaging
This project builds faster, more sensitive whole-body PET scanners to give people with cancer and other diseases clearer images for diagnosis and monitoring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257693 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving PET scanners by combining time-of-flight detector technology with much longer scanner coverage so the whole body can be imaged at once. They will compare different scanner designs and detector materials to find the best trade-offs between image quality, scan speed, and cost. The team will develop and test two detector concepts (one using LYSO) and study how the designs affect real clinical and research uses. Results will guide how to build and use total-body PET machines at multiple hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who currently need PET imaging for cancer staging, treatment monitoring, or whole-body disease evaluation would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not require PET imaging for their care or whose condition is better evaluated by other tests are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide clearer, faster PET scans that help detect cancer earlier and monitor treatment more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Early total-body PET systems (like uEXPLORER and PennPET) have already produced noticeably superior images, showing this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karp, Joel S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Karp, Joel S
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.