Improving cancer detection with PET scans
Characterizing, optimizing, and harmonizing cancer detection with PET imaging
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11261056
This project aims to make FDG-PET scans better at finding smaller, earlier cancers for people being checked or monitored for cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261056 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to improve FDG-PET imaging by adjusting how scans are taken and how images are reconstructed to boost detection of small cancers. They will compare results across different PET scanner models, reconstruction algorithms, and imaging sites to identify the best practices. The team will use computational observer models that mimic radiologist readings and develop machine-learning tools to enhance detection. The work also focuses on harmonizing methods so PET scan performance is more consistent across hospitals and manufacturers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are having or may need FDG-PET scans for cancer detection, staging, or follow-up would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not take up FDG well or those who cannot access PET imaging would be less likely to benefit from these advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PET scans could detect cancers earlier and more accurately, giving patients better treatment options and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies showed that changing acquisition and reconstruction can improve PET detection and recent AI methods are promising, but harmonizing these improvements across modern PET systems is still a developing area.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KINAHAN, PAUL E. — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: KINAHAN, PAUL E.
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.