Whole‑body PET that maps how cancers use glucose

Total-body PET Parametric Imaging using Relative Patlak Plot

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11291878

This project develops a faster way to use whole‑body FDG PET scans to create detailed maps showing how cancers use sugar for people with cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11291878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would benefit from clearer maps of how tumors use glucose that can help doctors understand tumor activity. The team will use total‑body PET scanners and a new "relative Patlak" mathematical approach to produce parametric images (maps of metabolic rate) without needing very long dynamic scans. They will compare the new method to the standard Patlak approach to confirm the maps match established measures. The goal is shorter, more sensitive scans that still give reliable metabolic information.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with known or suspected cancer who are getting FDG PET imaging and can access a center with a total‑body PET scanner would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not take up FDG, who cannot undergo PET scans, or who cannot travel to centers with total‑body PET scanners are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could give faster, more accurate metabolic maps that help guide cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions while shortening scan time.

How similar studies have performed: Standard Patlak parametric imaging and recent total‑body PET work have shown promise for better metabolic measures, but applying a "relative Patlak" method to shorten scans is a newer approach with limited patient testing so far.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Treatment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.