Improving cancer imaging with a new radiochemistry technique

Enabling translation of cancer cell proliferation PET imaging via droplet radiochemistry technology

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11060919

This study is working on a new way to improve PET scans for cancer patients by creating a better tracer that helps doctors see how fast cancer cells are growing, making it easier to diagnose and monitor treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11060919 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing PET imaging for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring by developing a new radiochemistry technology. It aims to create a more effective tracer, [18F]FMAU, which can accurately measure cancer cell proliferation, particularly in cases where traditional imaging methods fall short. The study involves refining the synthesis process of this tracer to make it more efficient and suitable for clinical use, ultimately facilitating multicenter trials and broader patient recruitment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are difficult to assess using standard imaging techniques, such as those with slow-growing tumors or high background uptake.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that can be effectively monitored using existing imaging methods may not receive significant benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer imaging, improving diagnosis and treatment monitoring for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar imaging approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer druganti-cancer therapy
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.