Joint optimization of SPECT imaging components for targeted alpha therapy
Official title: Preliminary Investigation of Task-Based Joint-Simultaneous-Optimization of Collimation and Reconstruction Plus Processing of SPECT Imaging for Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT)
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11436599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study at UMass Worcester is testing a smarter way to image tumors during targeted alpha therapy to help doctors see where treatment is working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $83,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R03EB040197-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers who are candidates for targeted alpha therapy and undergoing SPECT imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving targeted alpha therapy or not undergoing SPECT imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests how to best combine SPECT camera design and image reconstruction to accurately measure tumor activity during targeted alpha therapy. By modeling how photons travel and how the imaging system blurs details, the researchers hope to improve accuracy in detecting new tumors and quantifying how much radiation they receive. The goal is to enable personalized dosing—escalating or de-escalating treatment based on precise imaging results while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. The work will start with initial testing to see if joint optimization can improve tumor visualization and dosimetry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more accurate tumor imaging and safer, more precisely tailored therapy doses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that optimized imaging can improve tumor detection, but this project tests a novel joint optimization approach for TAT imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Michael a — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: King, Michael a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells
Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.
-
Reprogramming metabolism to power alternative fat-burning modes
A new project will explore how fat cells burn calories in different ways to help combat obesity.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Gut microbes and brain function in autism
Researchers are exploring how gut bacteria may influence brain signals and behavior in autism, using worm models to uncover possible links that could someday inform human therapies.
-
Chlamydia and gonorrhea interaction: how host interferons influence co-infection
A human-health focused project looks at how the body’s interferon signals during chlamydia infection affect the way gonorrhea behaves, with potential implications for people vulnerable to both infections.
-
Conquering High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Cities
A program to adapt and test a proven plan for lowering high blood pressure in urban Vietnam using a mobile health platform and integrated care approach.
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.