Translational Imaging

The University of Hull PET Research Centre aims to validate novel PET radiotracers and enable their translation into the clinic.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique whereby radiotracers are injected into the body and visualised on a PET camera, allowing molecular imaging. The PET Research centre houses an ABT biomarker generator low energy cyclotron for the manufacture of the radioisotope [18F] – this is the only such research-dedicated cyclotron in the U.K – as well as facilities for preclinical PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanning [link]. The PET research centre is closely linked with the Jack Brignall PET-CT centre at Castle Hill Hospital, which houses a state-of-the-art Siemens Biograph mCT Flow Edge PET-CT scanner and will house the world’s first dose-on-demand cyclotron facility based around a GE GENTrace cyclotron. The PETRC is focused on the application of microfluidic technology to radiotracer manufacture and quality control [link], with the overall goal of making the translation of novel PET agents quicker and more cost effective via a ‘dose-on-demand’ strategy. A list of our current imaging projects can be found here.