# AdaptiSPECT-C: A Next-Generation, Adaptive Brain-Imaging SPECT System for Drug Discovery and Clinical Imaging

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2021 · $953,794

## Abstract

Advances in molecular imaging are yielding a new generation of single-photon-emission-computed-
tomography (SPECT) brain-imaging agents that will lead the way in understanding the human brain by
enabling the development of biomarkers with unprecedented specificity for mapping neuroreceptors and
proteinopathies associated with disease and dementia. SPECT is an ideal tracer-imaging tool for
investigating the underlying mechanisms in brain disorders, their differential diagnoses, and monitoring their
treatment because of its lower cost and radiation dose relative to PET, longer half-lives of the radionuclides
imaged, and ability to simultaneously image multiple imaging agents labeled with different radionuclides.
However, most clinical brain SPECT is still being performed by 2-headed systems with collimators designed
for planar scintigraphy. To meet the potential for better patient care offered by these new imaging agents,
and vastly improve the utility of existing agents, a revolution in SPECT brain-imaging system design is
required.
 In Phase 1 of this Biomedical Research Partnership (BRP) application we propose to meet this
requirement by creating a multi-detector-module multi-pinhole (MPH) SPECT brain-imaging system ideally
suited for quantitative dynamic and high-spatial-resolution static SPECT imaging. Based on its heritage and
intent for clinical imaging, we have named this proposed system AdaptiSPECT-C. Dynamic imaging will be
enabled by obtaining sufficient angular sampling without the need for rotation. The system will automatically
adapt its imaging characteristics (aperture size and number of pinholes open for imaging) in response to the
imaging tasks and individual patients. It will thereby optimize lesion detection and quantification, as well as
provide optimal data for pharmacokinetic analysis within structures throughout the brain. Automatic
alignment to existent CT diagnostic studies of the patient for use in providing anatomical correlation,
formation of attenuation maps, and templates for PVE correction will be enabled through usage of depth-
sensing cameras, which will also be used for correction for head motion. Comparison of AdaptiSPECT-C to
clinical systems will be conducted through inviCRO, one of the nation's top contract research organizations
(CROs) serving the pharmaceutical industry. These studies will provide the documentation of system
performance necessary to enable “Big-Pharma” companies to use the system to gather the clinical data
necessary for FDA approval of new pharmaceuticals.
 Our Specific Aims are: 1. Construct an adaptable brain-SPECT system and test performance versus
design specifications; 2. Develop reconstruction software for optimal image quality and activity
quantification; 3.Integrate depth-sensing camera imaging to correct patient motion and align existent CT
slices; and 4. Incorporate analysis software, and validate system through prototype human imaging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9989858
- **Project number:** 5R01EB022521-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** LARS R FURENLID
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $953,794
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9989858

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9989858, AdaptiSPECT-C: A Next-Generation, Adaptive Brain-Imaging SPECT System for Drug Discovery and Clinical Imaging (5R01EB022521-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9989858. Licensed CC0.

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