# Photon Counting Detector MicroCT

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2021 · $585,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The goal of this application is to provide the investigators at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
(MDACC) with a preclinical small animal photon-counting detector microCT system that will afford them with the
necessary means and resources to further their multidisciplinary research. The MARS Photon-Counting Detector
microCT utilizes revolutionary detectors, that offer exceptional low contrast and high spatial resolution images,
and quantitative capabilities for tissue and in vivo, real-time imaging of small animals such as mice and rats.
MDACC is the home of a large group of NIH-funded investigators conducting fundamental studies and
translational research, all with the ultimate goal of eliminating cancer. Together, these investigators cover large
and complementary research territories focusing their efforts on basic science and the translation of laboratory
discoveries to clinical practice. Currently, MDACC, the Texas Medical Center, and the State of Texas are not
equipped with a system capable of photon-counting detection CT imaging to conduct physiological, molecular,
and quantitative imaging of small animals widely used in these studies.
The specific aim of this application is to acquire the MARS Photon-Counting Detector microCT system to enable
investigators to conduct basic science and applied research projects related to cancer detection and treatment.
Overall, the principal investigator and key personnel in this application are committed to ensuring that the new
photon-counting detector microCT imaging technology presented herein becomes a fruitful addition to the
research tools offered at MDACC. In this application, we offer numerous NIH-funded major users who are
conducting research studies that would enjoy immediate and significant benefit from the procurement of a MARS
Photon-Counting Detector microCT imaging system. Additionally, the imager will be incorporated into the suite
of resources offered by our Small Animal Imaging Facility (SAIF), an institutional research facility partially
supported by our Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) from the National Cancer Institute (P30-CA016672, PI:
Pisters). New investigators – both from within MDACC and from the greater Texas Medical Center research
community – will also benefit in the future from this powerful small animal imaging option.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10174369
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028621-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Rick Robert Layman
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $585,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-15 → 2023-10-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10174369

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10174369, Photon Counting Detector MicroCT (1S10OD028621-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10174369. Licensed CC0.

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