Using PET imaging to assess kidney fibrosis
Official title: PET Imaging of Renal Fibrosis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11047380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to use PET scans to see how much scarring is in the kidneys of people with chronic kidney disease, which could help doctors make better treatment choices and improve health outcomes without needing invasive procedures like biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $725,420 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138940-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047380 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those without any signs of kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of PET imaging technology to non-invasively measure renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). By improving the ability to detect and quantify fibrosis, the study aims to provide a better understanding of kidney health and disease progression. The approach seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional kidney biopsies, which are invasive and can miss critical areas of fibrosis. The goal is to develop a reliable imaging method that can help guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of chronic kidney disease, potentially delaying the need for dialysis or transplantation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques for assessing kidney conditions, but this specific application of PET imaging for renal fibrosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caravan, Peter D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Caravan, Peter D
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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.