Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation
NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
About This Grant
Project Summary/Abstract This project proposes to advance positronium lifetime tomography (PLT) as a novel, quantitative imaging modality for mapping tissue microenvironment in vivo. Complementary to positron emission tomography (PET), which measures the spatial distribution of tracer uptake, PLT provides additional information about the local chemical environment by measuring the lifetime of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) atoms before annihilation. The o-Ps lifetime is sensitive to oxygen concentration, free radicals, and tissue composition, making it a promising biomarker for hypoxia and cellular stress, with broad implications for cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. A unique advantage of PLT is that it utilizes data readily acquirable on existing TOF PET scanners during routine PET scans, requiring no new hardware or additional scanning. However, despite its promise, there is currently no practical method for obtaining high-resolution, quantitative o- Ps lifetime images in vivo. To fill this critical gap, we propose to develop the first robust and fully quantitative PLT framework and demonstrate its performance using the PennPET Explorer, a state-of-the-art total-body TOF PET scanner. Building on innovations from our prior NIH R21 grant, we will enhance statistical efficiency of our lifetime image reconstruction method, incorporate advanced regularization, and implement comprehensive corrections for scatter, randoms, attenuation, and normalization. Optimized acquisition protocols will be developed through Monte Carlo simulations and phantom studies. We will validate the accuracy and utility of PLT in large animal models (pigs) under controlled hypoxic conditions, using multiple radioisotopes (⁴⁴Sc, ⁶⁸Ga, ⁸²Rb) and comparing o-Ps lifetime measurements with direct pO₂ readings from invasive probes. Following successful preclinical validation, we will conduct human imaging studies using ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA and benchmark PLT-derived hypoxia metrics against ¹⁸F-MISO PET, a gold standard for hypoxia imaging. This work will demonstrate the feasibility and clinical potential of high-resolution PLT and establish it as a complementary imaging modality to PET. The integration of PET and PLT enables simultaneous assessment of molecular tracer uptake and tissue oxygenation in a single scan. The ability to noninvasively localize hypoxic and stressed tissue with high resolution has the potential to enhance diagnosis, personalize therapy, and improve outcomes in oncology and beyond. Upon successful development, these technologies will be readily translatable to commercial PET systems through partnerships with industry leaders, paving the way for widespread clinical adoption.
Grant Summary
Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation is a NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering grant providing up to $701K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-07-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $701K
2030-07-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering before the deadline.
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Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation?
Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation is offered by NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation provide?
Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation provides up to $701K per award from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation deadline?
Applications for Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation are due 2030-07-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation?
To apply for Advancing positron lifetime tomography for clinical translation, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.