Spectral phase-contrast 3D X-ray imaging for cancer
Development of Spectral Phase Contrast Micro-CT
A team is building a new low-dose 3D X-ray scanner to give clearer pictures of tumors and soft tissues for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a new type of 3D X-ray scanner that combines spectral (multi-energy) and phase-contrast imaging with a high-resolution photon-counting detector to improve soft-tissue contrast while lowering radiation dose. The researchers will develop the hardware and new image-processing algorithms and test the system in imaging experiments using animal models and tissue samples. They aim to achieve scan times and doses similar to standard attenuation CT but with better delineation of small features like tiny tumors and blood vessels. If the device performs well in preclinical tests, the team plans to move toward clinical testing and collaborations with medical centers for patient imaging trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who need frequent imaging follow-up, detection of small tumors, or improved soft-tissue contrast could be candidates for future clinical testing of this technology.
Not a fit: People who do not require CT imaging, are pregnant, or have implants incompatible with CT scanners are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable clearer tumor detection and safer repeat 3D scans by reducing radiation exposure while improving soft-tissue contrast.
How similar studies have performed: Phase-contrast and spectral CT methods have shown promise in lab and preclinical studies, but combining them with low-dose photon-counting detectors in a single micro-CT system is a newer approach still being validated.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Mini — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Das, Mini
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 below.