Jing Wu, PhD, Awarded NIH Grant for Research in FDG PET Parametric Imaging

Jing Wu, PhD, Principal Investigator, has been awarded a R03 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The tracer net uptake rate constant, K_i, is the most accurate parameter to quantify FDG PET. However, the long and complex acquisition protocol limits its application in clinical practice. In this study, Dr. Wu proposes to develop a novel and simple approach of generating parametric K_i image "for free" without adding any additional complexity on the existing dual-time-point protocol currently used in clinical practice. This approach has the potential to greatly improve diagnosis and therapy assessment in oncology. Collaborators include Drs. Richard Carson, Xenophon Papademetris, and Chi Liu, who will assist with improving the parametric K_i image quality and quantification accuracy.