Improving cancer imaging with a new radiochemistry technique
Official title: Enabling translation of cancer cell proliferation PET imaging via droplet radiochemistry technology
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11060919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281901-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that can be effectively monitored using existing imaging methods may not receive significant benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar imaging approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Kai — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chen, Kai
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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.