# Validation and dissemination of novel physical phantoms for quantitative theranostics research

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $199,999

## Abstract

Project Summary
The objective of this proposal is to validate and disseminate realistic anthropomorphic phantoms to strengthen
quantitative imaging for radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs). RPTs have shown promise in treating various
cancers, but the need to accurately measure the absorbed dose in radiosensitive organs remains important.
Imaging provides a mechanism to perform such quantification, and given the strong interest, multiple imaging
technologies are being developed for theranostics purposes. However, a key challenge is the validation of these
imaging technologies. Physical phantom-based studies provide a reliable means for conducting such
evaluations. However, current phantoms lack realism, patient anatomy representation, variability in patient sizes,
and sub-system resolution assessment. To overcome these limitations, as part of our parent R01, we are
developing phantoms that use resin-based three-dimensional printing to create anatomically accurate models
based on patient scans. This approach improves the reliability and realism of validation methods for advanced
imaging techniques in RPT, benefiting patient care. Given the strong interest in RPTs across industry, academia,
and clinics, multiple groups would benefit from availability of these phantoms. Thus, in this proposal, our goal is
to validate these phantoms in multi-scanner and multi-center settings, and simultaneously develop robust
protocols for the use of these phantoms, for wider dissemination of this technology. This proposal is thus strongly
aligned with the goals of NOT-EB-24-009. We propose to validate our phantoms across multiple scanners at
Washington University, as well as multiple centers including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Upstate
Medical Center and M D Anderson Cancer Center and incorporate the feedback received to refine both the
phantoms and our protocols. The resulting library of phantoms and protocols will then be deposited to the
NIST/NIBIB Imaging Phantom Lending Library for wider use by the community. In addition to providing a
mechanism for rigorous validation of imaging methods for theranostics with conventional reconstruction-based
approaches, these phantoms facilitate the quantitative assessment of imaging systems and algorithms at sub-
resolution levels, including the innovative projection domain quantification tools we have implemented via our
parent R01, driving advancements in imaging science. Overall, this project has the potential to impact the fields
of quantitative imaging and theranostics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11160228
- **Project number:** 3R01EB031962-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Abhinav K Jha
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $199,999
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-30 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11160228

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11160228, Validation and dissemination of novel physical phantoms for quantitative theranostics research (3R01EB031962-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11160228. Licensed CC0.

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