Using past and present PET/CT scans to improve lymphoma imaging

Multimodal Learning for Contextually-Aware Longitudinal PET/CT image analysis

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11230216

Creating AI that reads multiple PET/CT scans over time to help doctors more accurately find and track lymphoma in adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11230216 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project builds AI that looks at FDG PET/CT images from more than one time point so the algorithm can use earlier scans and clinical notes as context for later images. The models combine PET and CT images with clinical text using multimodal vision-language techniques to detect low-level residual lymphoma that can be hard to tell apart from normal or treatment-related uptake. The goal is to produce fast, whole-body quantitative measurements and reduce differences between readers. The team trains and validates the approach using adult lymphoma PET/CT images from clinical sites.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with lymphoma who have baseline and follow-up FDG PET/CT scans (typically age 21 and older) are the most relevant candidates for this work.

Not a fit: People without lymphoma, pediatric patients, or patients who do not have serial FDG PET/CT imaging are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could make PET/CT readings more accurate and consistent, leading to better treatment decisions and faster results for patients with lymphoma.

How similar studies have performed: Deep learning has shown promise for single-timepoint PET/CT analysis, but using longitudinal, context-aware multimodal models for lymphoma imaging is newer and less tested.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.