Improving PET/CT scanning for better treatment of head and neck cancer
Official title: A PET/CT scanner for guiding treatment of head and neck cancer
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11085117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable PET/CT scanner that helps doctors find and understand small tumors in patients with head and neck cancers better, so they can make smarter treatment choices and help reduce side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $471,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA248492-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancers, particularly those with HPV-associated tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers located in other regions of the body or those who do not have head and neck cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of PET/CT scanner specifically designed to enhance the treatment planning for patients with head and neck cancers. By creating a lower-cost and high-resolution imaging system, the research aims to improve the detection of small tumors and assess their characteristics more accurately. This innovative approach could lead to better treatment decisions and potentially reduce the side effects associated with current therapies. Patients will benefit from more precise imaging that can guide their treatment options effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving imaging technologies for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raylman, Raymond Robert — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Raylman, Raymond Robert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.
-
Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.
-
Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.
-
Adding PSMA PET/CT imaging to liver cancer care for veterans
This project tests a new PET imaging approach to help diagnose and guide treatment for liver cancer in veterans.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
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.