Rapid CEST MRI for Brain Tumor Imaging at 3T
Official title: Development of Rapid QUASS CEST MRI for Brain Tumor Characterization at 3T
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11432587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A high-tech MRI method is being developed to better distinguish brain tumors from treatment effects in patients using faster, more accurate scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,077 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316222-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brain tumors or a history of brain tumor treatment who undergo MRI imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on CEST MRI for characterization may see limited or no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds work at Emory University to advance a specialized MRI technique called QUASS CEST MRI, aimed at improving how we image brain tumors. Researchers will optimize scan parameters and postprocessing to produce clearer, more reliable signals even with shorter scan times. The project will focus on translating these improvements to clinical brain tumor imaging, so doctors can make better-informed treatment decisions. The goal is to reduce ambiguity between tumor progression and treatment effects on standard MRI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate brain tumor assessments with shorter, more comfortable MRI exams.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that advanced CEST postprocessing can improve image quality, with ongoing progress toward clinical-ready methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Phillip Zhe — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Phillip Zhe
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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.