Improving cancer and cardiovascular disease imaging with new crystal technology

TOF-PET with high-efficiency TlCl crystals

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11088803

This study is looking at a new type of crystal to make medical imaging better and safer for people with conditions like cancer and heart disease, by helping doctors see clearer images while using less radiation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11088803 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) imaging, which is crucial for diagnosing and staging conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The team is exploring the use of thallium chloride (TlCl) crystals as a new scintillator material, which could provide better detection efficiency and lower production costs compared to current materials. By developing this technology, the research aims to improve imaging accuracy and reduce background radiation, making it safer and more effective for patients. The approach involves testing the performance of TlCl crystals in detecting gamma rays and assessing their timing accuracy for medical imaging applications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing imaging for cancer or cardiovascular diseases who may benefit from improved diagnostic technologies.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not require imaging or those who are not candidates for PET scans may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and cost-effective imaging techniques for diagnosing serious health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using alternative scintillator materials for imaging, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: cancer diagnosis, Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.