Improving PET imaging accuracy for better cancer diagnosis
Official title: Data Driven Background Estimation in PET
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11013885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving PET scans to make them clearer and more accurate, especially for tricky cases, so that doctors can better see and understand what's happening in areas like the brain and breast.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $493,733 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB035103-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing PET scans for cancer diagnosis or treatment monitoring, particularly those with non-standard isotopes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require PET imaging or those with conditions that do not involve the use of the specific isotopes being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new methods to enhance the accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, particularly in challenging situations where traditional techniques struggle. By utilizing energy-based background estimation, the project aims to produce clearer and more quantitative PET images, even when dealing with low data collection or interference from other gamma rays. The methodology will be tested on clinical data from PET scanners and tailored for specific organs like the brain and breast, ensuring that the advancements can be applied in real-world clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer diagnoses and better treatment planning for patients undergoing PET imaging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving PET imaging techniques, but this specific approach utilizing energy-based estimation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surti, Suleman — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Surti, Suleman
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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.