# PET Imaging of Thrombus

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $848,663

## Abstract

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Thrombus
The goal of this renewal proposal is to translate a recently developed fibrin-specific positron emission
tomography (PET) probe, termed 64Cu-FBP8, for direct imaging of thrombus in patients. Thrombus plays a
central role in a range of pathologies including ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism,
and deep vein thrombosis. The detection of thrombus with modern imaging techniques generally relies on the
presence of filling defects, which are highly non-specific. Here we hypothesize that targeted molecular imaging
of thrombus can be successfully performed in humans with a PET-detectable radiolabeled peptide. We further
hypothesize that the accuracy of the probe will allow the presence/absence of thrombus in the left atrial
appendage (LAA) to be imaged noninvasively. The current gold standard for the detection of LAA thrombus in
patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is transesophageal echo (TEE). While the experience with TEE is extensive,
it is semi-invasive, requires sedation and prolonged monitoring, and does not prospectively identify patients
with LAA thrombus before presentation to the hospital. A noninvasive alternative to TEE could improve patient
comfort, streamline care, facilitate risk assessment in patients with AF and guide anti-coagulant management.
This application, seeks to address this need through the clinical translation of 64Cu-FBP8for the detection of
LAA thrombus in AF. In Aim 1 we will assess the pharmacokinetics, distribution, and elimination of 64Cu-FBP8
in healthy volunteers to establish safety, radiochemical dose, and to estimate an optimal time for thrombus
imaging. In Aim 2 we will determine the accuracy of 64Cu-FBP8 PET to detect LAA thrombus in patients with
AF, using recent TEE scans as the gold standard. In Aim 3 we will prospectively image AF patients to establish
the negative predicative value of 64Cu-FBP8 PET and its potential as a noninvasive alternative to TEE. To
further the utility of 64Cu-FBP8 and to enable its use at other sites, in Aim 4 we will develop a sterile kit
formulation that will make the widespread production of 64Cu-FBP8 feasible. The proposed research will
translate a new molecular imaging agent into humans and lay the foundation for subsequent multicenter trials.
The burden of AF is increasing rapidly and the noninvasive detection of LAA thrombosis is a large and unmet
need. The proposed research is thus of major relevance to both clinical medicine and general population
health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9949380
- **Project number:** 5R01HL109448-08
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter D Caravan
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $848,663
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-08-01 → 2022-02-09

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9949380

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9949380, PET Imaging of Thrombus (5R01HL109448-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9949380. Licensed CC0.

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