Investigating a new imaging method for assessing carotid artery plaque risk
Official title: A Receptor-Targeted Nanoparticle PET Tracer in Human Carotid Atherosclerosis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11093947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special imaging technique to help find out which people with narrowed carotid arteries might be at greater risk for a stroke, so that doctors can better manage their care and decide if surgery might be helpful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,123 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159803-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis who may be at risk for ischemic stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis or those who have already undergone surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using a specialized nanoparticle PET tracer to study the biology of plaque in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS). By employing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify individuals at higher risk for ischemic stroke due to plaque rupture. The approach involves a two-center patient outcomes study that builds on previous findings, utilizing a PET radiotracer that targets a specific receptor associated with vulnerable plaques. This could lead to more accurate risk stratification and better management of patients who may benefit from surgical intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification of patients who truly need surgical treatment for carotid artery stenosis, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar nanoparticle PET imaging techniques to assess plaque vulnerability, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodard, Pamela K — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Woodard, Pamela K
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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.