# VECTor/CT/OI Multimodal Imaging for Biomedical Research

> **NIH NIH S10** · RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $1,438,853

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This revised proposal requests funds to purchase a VECTor/CT/OI small- and medium-size animal imaging
device that integrates SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography), PET (positron emission
tomography), CT (transmission computed tomography), and tomographic OI (optical imaging) in an integrated
instrument (MILabs; Utrecht, Netherlands). This state-of-the-art instrument will be the first and only three-
dimensional (3D) animal imaging system available on the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) campus
in Newark, NJ. The VECTor/CT/OI will serve a critical need to advance the research of the NJMS faculty, as well
as faculty at other schools and research entities on the Newark campus of Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences
(RBHS), including the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (SoDM) and Rutgers School of Health Professions
(SHP), Rutgers Public Health Research Institute, Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), faculty from other
nearby universities including Rutgers University-Newark and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and
faculty from other Rutgers schools and campuses. This instrument will be instrumental in advancing research
being conducted in the fields of cancer, orthopaedics, neurology, cardiology, immunology, infectious diseases,
radiology and more. The SPECT and PET capability bring three-dimensional (3D) imaging of physiological
processes, tracking of infectious diseases, pharmacokinetics and targeting of drugs, all fused with an exquisitely
detailed anatomic 3D image created by ultra-high resolution CT. The OI capability will replace our aging two-
dimensional IVIS 200 imaging device with state-of-the art 3D tomographic capability and the optical images can
be fused with other modalities. The VECTor also adds a fourth dimension of time with the capability to do dynamic
PET, SPECT, and CT, a key feature for studies in cardiology and other fields. A key feature of this instrument is
the ability of its major components (PET/SPECT, CT, OI) to operate simultaneously for fusion imaging or
independently of the others if the need arises. We have numerous funded projects with scientific plans in place
to use the VECTor/CT/OI. We also have well-established technical and scientific expertise to fully and
immediately utilize this instrument upon its installation and a highly efficient administrative and financial
infrastructure in place to support and maintain this instrument for effective long-term use.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9940328
- **Project number:** 1S10OD026875-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Roger W. Howell
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,438,853
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-04 → 2023-09-03

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9940328

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9940328, VECTor/CT/OI Multimodal Imaging for Biomedical Research (1S10OD026875-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9940328. Licensed CC0.

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