# Image Response Assessment (IRAT)

> **NIH NIH P30** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $196,500

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Imaging plays a major and growing role in noninvasively assessing cancer biology, preclinically and in clinical
translational studies. Imaging is now being used to personalize therapies in clinical practice. In early and
advanced clinical trials of cancer therapeutics, imaging can provide key information on the mechanisms of
action of the treatment, including whether target lesions are present, whether the target lesion is “hit” by the
therapy, whether the cancer is responding and if tumor progression has occurred. Elements of such
measurements are an important part of many studies involving cancer therapy conducted at the Sidney
Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC). Qualitative imaging is now being complemented by
sophisticated quantitative approaches. To assure access to advanced imaging technologies, including
quantitative PET, MRI and CT, the Imaging Response Assessment (IRAT) Core was established within the
SKCCC. Services of the IRAT available to SKCCC investigators include: a) consultation and guidance on the
proper choice, design and use of imaging studies in clinical trials; b) expert reviews of clinical protocols to
assure that the imaging protocol and analysis plans are appropriate for the chosen task; c) state-of-the-art
prompt and accurate assessment of tumor response using standardized anatomic and metabolic response
criteria, including Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and PET Response Criteria in
Solid Tumors (PERCIST) 1.0; d) image archival, anonymization and data import/export; e) developing
documents, protocols and forms to assist in studies performed at one or multiple sites; f) regulatory guidance
on radiation exposure and molecular imaging agents; g) assisting in development of nontraditional imaging
metrics for response assessment, including participation in ACRIN and ECOG trials; and h) improving
collaborations among SKCCC investigators and imaging specialists in quantitative imaging.
Future plans include new and advanced computing and software platforms to continue to provide robust
quantitative analyses of single and multimodality imaging studies of cancer treatment response with current
and emerging imaging tools. IRAT input into study design and analysis is expected to lead to more appropriate,
accurate and reproducible imaging in cancer therapy studies performed at The Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
and in collaboration with other institutions. Appropriate quantitative imaging will benefit clinical cancer therapy
trials of all phases and should accelerate translational cancer research.
SKCCC Managed Core
Reporting Period: Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2015

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9944506
- **Project number:** 5P30CA006973-57
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MIchael A. Jacobs
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $196,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9944506

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9944506, Image Response Assessment (IRAT) (5P30CA006973-57). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9944506. Licensed CC0.

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