# MicroSPECT/CT to aid the development of theranostics

> **NIH NIH S10** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $827,060

## Abstract

Project Summary
 We propose to purchase a new Mediso nanoScan preclinical SPECT-CT scanner at Case Western
Reserve University (CWRU). This new SPECT-CT system will restore the preclinical SPECT-CT capability in
Cleveland for the first time since the failure of our last system before the pandemic, and will efficiently
synergize our extensive preclinical radionuclide imaging research programs to support 20 major users with
research in a wide range of areas including development of novel theranostic agents, animal models of
diseases, new therapeutic strategies, effective anti-viral therapy and exciting immunotherapies. The proposed
system will not only reinstitute SPECT-CT scanning to our regional institutions, and also provide opportunities
to scan larger animals (e.g., marmosets, ferrets, woodchucks, rabbits, etc.), and animal models with infectious
diseases using a BSL-3 compatible sealed imaging chambers, in addition to the rodents. Overall, this system
provides the capability to support a broad set basic science research throughout Northeast Ohio.
 The nanoScan system includes: 1) a 4-headed SPECT subsystem with 3/8” NaI crystal and fully digitized
detectors; 2) multi-focus, multi-size, multi-pinhole apertures in addition to the parallel hole LEUHR collimators;
3) CT subsystem (80W/1000µA) with standard QC phantom set; 4) multiple software licenses allowing efficient
SPECT-CT image analysis and visualization for multiple users at a time; and 5) an animal monitoring,
respiratory gating, and temperature control to keep the animal stable during imaging. Additional options
requested with this new SPECT-CT system include sealed, BSL-3 compatible imaging chambers to specifically
provide support for multiple users. This new preclinical SPECT-CT capability will be available to all regional
investigators and will be operated by the Imaging Research Core at CWRU which is an integral component of
multiple research centers at CWRU including the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCI P30CA043703),
the Digestive Diseases Research Core Center (NIDDK P30 DK097948), the Clinical and Translational Science
Collaborative (NCATS UL1 TR002548), the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, and the Center for Modular
Manufacturing of Structural Tissues. This ongoing support for the Imaging Research Core is in addition to the
direct institutional support of $148,500 to partially offset the cost for the extended warranty. An advisory
committee with highly experienced imaging and therapy faculty at CWRU and an external institution will
oversee the organization and usage of the system and recommend policies to maintain system performance
and maximize utilization.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10852342
- **Project number:** 1S10OD036247-01
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Zhenghong Lee
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $827,060
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-15 → 2025-08-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10852342

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10852342, MicroSPECT/CT to aid the development of theranostics (1S10OD036247-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10852342. Licensed CC0.

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