Wednesday, January 7, 2026 1/7/2026

Time-of-Flight PET for Improved Whole-Body Imaging

Award Number: R01CA113941
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/07/2006
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2026

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Time-of-Flight PET for Improved Whole-Body Imaging - PROJECT SUMMARY This application is a competitive renewal of R01-CA-113941 to develop technology and methodologies for time- of-flight (TOF) imaging to advance the performance of positron emission tomography (PET) instruments and their utilization in the management of cancer and other diseases. In this renewal we propose to continue a systematic approach to TOF PET scanner design, but with a shift towards combining advanced TOF technology with longer axial field-of-view (AFOV) scanner designs. Both the uEXPLORER at UC Davis and the PennPET Explorer have produced qualitatively superior images, unmatched by modern clinical scanners, and there is enormous excitement in the field for the opportunities that such total-body (TB) PET instruments offer. However, the success of TB-PET will ultimately depend on integration and utilization at multiple sites, which, in turn depends on the cost as well as performance of the instrument. We propose to perform studies to demonstrate how to achieve improved performance while also considering ways to constrain the cost of the design. Our goal is to study scanner configurations, with varied axial field-of-view (AFOV) and advanced detector designs that offer different trade-offs in performance and to judge the merits of these choices by their impact on a variety of potential TB-PET clinical/research applications. Our studies will include development of enabling technology for two TOF detector concepts: one (with LYSO) emphasizing TOF performance with a target of 150 ps, below that of any existing PET scanner, with the other (with BGO) emphasizing higher intrinsic sensitivity. These detectors will be studied in the context of scanner geometries with full detector coverage, or with inter-ring gaps that permit extending the AFOV while constraining the number of detectors. A TB-PET scanner has a dramatic increase in the number of lines-of-response (LORs), so we can leverage the advantages of improved TOF (and spatial) resolutions to optimize the number of LYSO detectors, or alternatively, use the higher sensitivity, but less-costly BGO detectors. Human clinical/research studies performed on the PennPET Explorer scanner will be complemented by simulations of varying scanner designs and advanced detector technology. The new detector concepts will be tested both on the benchtop and with a scanner demonstrator setup using a small number of detectors operating in coincidence. Our work will be guided with consideration of scalability to a full system and the impact of new methods on system performance and clinical benefit. Our access to clinical research data from a TB-PET system provides us a unique advantage in achieving our goals. The outcome of this project will provide guidance to prioritize the design of future TB-PET systems.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $480,996 )
2026	2026	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	19	12/23/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$480,996
														Subtotal = $480,996

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $534,438 )
2025	2025	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	18	8/22/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$53,444
2025	2025	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	18	1/9/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$480,994
														Subtotal = $534,438

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $507,718 )
2024	2024	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	17	4/19/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$26,724
2024	2024	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	17	1/11/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$480,994
														Subtotal = $507,718

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $534,438 )
2023	2023	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	16	1/26/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$523,749
2023	2023	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	16	9/15/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$10,689
														Subtotal = $534,438

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $534,438 )
2022	2022	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	003	15	3/31/2022	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$84,705
2022	2022	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	15	1/5/2022	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$534,438
2022	2019	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	14	12/29/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2022	2019	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	002	14	3/31/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$84,705
														Subtotal = $534,438

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2021	2019	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	14	4/29/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $519,458 )
2019	2019	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST STE 440A	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	14	4/5/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$519,458
														Subtotal = $519,458

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $535,524 )
2018	2018	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	13	4/17/2018	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$535,524
														Subtotal = $535,524

Issue Date FY: 2017 ( Subtotal = $535,524 )
2017	2017	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	12	6/7/2017	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$53,552
2017	2017	TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE	3451 WALNUT ST	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	12	4/26/2017	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$481,972
														Subtotal = $535,524

Issue Date FY: 2016 ( Subtotal = $538,492 )
2016	2016	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	11	5/31/2016	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$538,492
														Subtotal = $538,492

Issue Date FY: 2015 ( Subtotal = $547,557 )
2015	2015	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	10	4/28/2015	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$547,557
2015	2014	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	9	4/23/2015	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $547,557

Issue Date FY: 2014 ( Subtotal = $445,579 )
2014	2014	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	9	12/19/2013	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$413,424
2014	2014	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	9	4/15/2014	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$32,155
														Subtotal = $445,579

Issue Date FY: 2013 ( Subtotal = $432,578 )
2013	2013	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	8	6/5/2013	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$202,483
2013	2013	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	8	12/19/2012	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$230,095
														Subtotal = $432,578

Issue Date FY: 2012 ( Subtotal = $516,646 )
2012	2012	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	7	12/30/2011	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$474,281
2012	2012	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	7	4/25/2012	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$42,365
														Subtotal = $516,646

Issue Date FY: 2011 ( Subtotal = $518,051 )
2011	2011	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	6	12/17/2010	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$495,085
2011	2011	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	6	5/13/2011	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$22,966
														Subtotal = $518,051

Issue Date FY: 2010 ( Subtotal = $534,447 )
2010	2010	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	5	1/28/2010	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$534,447
														Subtotal = $534,447

Issue Date FY: 2009 ( Subtotal = $508,265 )
2009	2009	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	4	1/16/2009	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$457,439
2009	2009	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	001	4	3/18/2009	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$50,826
														Subtotal = $508,265

Issue Date FY: 2008 ( Subtotal = $492,288 )
2008	2008	UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA	3451 WALNUT STREET	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research	000	3	1/24/2008	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$492,288
														Subtotal = $492,288

Issue Date FY: 2007 ( Subtotal = $532,226 ) (Continued on the next page)
Grand Total All Awards = $9,779,568

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Time-of-Flight PET for Improved Whole-Body Imaging

Award Number: R01CA113941

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/07/2006

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2026

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