# Integrated Tools for Quantitative Whole-Body Tumor Perfusion Imaging

> **NIH NIH R01** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2020 · $572,776

## Abstract

Abstract
Current imaging-based techniques for quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion require complex data
acquisition and analysis strategies; typically require ancillary blood sampling for measurement of input
functions; are limited to a single organ or tissue region; and because of their complexity are not well suited as a
biomarker for cancer clinical trials or patient management. We hypothesize that the 62Cu-labeled copper(II)
bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes, Cu-ETS and Cu-ETSM, will provide a platform for quantitative estimation
of tissue perfusion throughout whole-body images utilizing methods that are rapid, and computationally
suitable, for widespread routine clinical application. The objective of this academic-industrial partnership
proposal is to translate very promising initial results into a fully validated whole-body quantitative perfusion
imaging method for use as a biomarker in cancer clinical trials and precision medicine treatment strategies.
This partnership will bring together three key teams of investigators to: i. fully develop and validate the 62Cu
quantitative perfusion method (Indiana University); ii. refine the 62Zn/62Cu generator production technology to
enable wide-spread generator distribution (Zevacor Molecular, Inc.); and iii. to establish a software processing
platform to facilitate harmonization of data analysis across diverse imaging centers (MIM Software, Inc. and
Indiana University). The significance of this research includes the abilities to: (1) quantitatively assess the
vascular effects of therapeutic agents on tumors throughout the body; (2) assess non-target side-effects in
tissues throughout the whole body; (3) establish disease phenotype in both primary and metastatic lesions
(and patient prognosis) by combining whole-body metabolism and perfusion measurements; (4) monitor the
transition of tumors from a drug-responsive to a drug-resistant phenotype (and/or assess durability of
response); (5) assess the extent of comorbidities that manifest with perfusion abnormalities (e.g.,
cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, thyroid function); (6) widely
distribute 62Zn/62Cu generators to meet clinical trial and patient care demands; and (7) harmonize
implementation of this method across diverse imaging environments via standardized quantitative data and
image analysis tools. The key innovation of this research will be advancement of a quantitative whole-body
perfusion imaging method from the research laboratory into a complete set of validated tools that enable robust
and standardized application in clinical trials and patient care throughout the imaging community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9975758
- **Project number:** 5R01CA202695-05
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** MARK A GREEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $572,776
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9975758

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9975758, Integrated Tools for Quantitative Whole-Body Tumor Perfusion Imaging (5R01CA202695-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9975758. Licensed CC0.

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