Overview of Our Research
The Wang Lab in the Department of Radiology at the UC Davis Medical Center is focused on the theory and applications of parametric imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) (Wang et al 2020). Our research approach commonly integrates (1) multidimensional data acquisition (e.g., 4D space-time data) with (2) design of computational imaging algorithms (including tracer kinetic modeling, image reconstruction, and machine learning), and (3) discovery of quantitative parametric imaging biomarkers to enable clinically efficient and effective imaging methods in human diseases. By developing advanced PET parametric imaging algorithms and translating them for clinical applications, we can make molecular imaging better, cheaper, safer, and more informative in the clinic.
Current Research Topics
1. Molecular Transport Imaging of Radiotracers
Most radiotracers for PET imaging are utilized to assess their end-product properties (e.g. for assessing glucose metabolism with [F18]FDG). The intermediate molecular transport processes of radiotracers across a vascular barrier (e.g., blood-brain barrier) are much less explored but may provide rich information on health and disease. Our lab has developed parametric PET methods to image the molecular transport properties of radiotracers using dynamic imaging and tracer kinetic modeling. We have also applied these molecular transport imaging methods to address unmet clinical needs in major diseases.
2. Total-Body PET Kinetic Modeling
Parametric imaging using dynamic PET and tracer kinetic modeling has traditionally been limited to single organs, such as the brain or heart, because of the restricted axial field of view of conventional PET scanners, which ranges from 15 to 30 cm. However, the introduction of total-body PET scanners, like the EXPLORER, provides ultra-high sensitivity and the ability to simultaneously scan the entire body for dynamic imaging. Our lab develops total-body kinetic modeling methods to address technical challenges in PET parametric imaging and explores the total-body parametric PET methods for novel clinical applications.
3. PET-enabled Dual-Energy CT
We explore a novel concept based on PET/CT physics and advanced image reconstruction algorithms to enable dual-energy or multi-energy spectral CT imaging using combined PET and CT scanning. This PET-enabled dual-energy CT method can add a new dimension of tissue composition information on top of existing PET/CT functional imaging without costly hardware upgrades or increasing radiation exposure. Novel applications of this technique are being explored for PET parametric imaging.
Funding Acknowledgements:
and start-up funds from the UC Davis School of Medicine and Cancer Center.