Improving cancer imaging with advanced PET technology

Translation of virtual-pinhole magnifying PET technology to clinical whole-body cancer imaging

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10691213

This study is testing a new imaging technology that helps doctors find small cancer spots in the body that regular scans might miss, making it easier to track how well treatments are working.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10691213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing whole-body cancer imaging using a new technology called virtual-pinhole magnifying PET. This innovative approach aims to improve the detection of small metastatic cancers that are often missed by traditional imaging methods. By increasing image resolution, the technology allows for more precise identification of cancerous lesions, which can significantly aid in staging and monitoring treatment responses. The research involves collaboration between Washington University School of Medicine and Siemens Molecular Imaging to develop and implement this advanced imaging technique in clinical settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with known or suspected metastatic cancer, particularly those with lesions smaller than 1 cm.

Not a fit: Patients with primary cancers that are not metastatic or those with larger, easily detectable lesions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of small metastatic cancers, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in enhancing imaging techniques for cancer detection, but this specific approach using virtual-pinhole magnifying PET is novel.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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: Disease, Disorder

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.