USC Team Developed Faster Way to Make PET Tracers
Researchers are creating a modular platform to simplify the production of medical imaging agents for cancer.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a plug-and-play platform for creating PET scan radiotracers. This device aims to overcome the high costs and logistical hurdles associated with current manufacturing processes.
Why it matters
Traditional radiotracer production requires specialized facilities and significant time, which can limit patient access to advanced diagnostic imaging. This new technology seeks to decentralize and speed up the process, potentially increasing the availability of imaging tools for cancer detection.
The project is backed by a $2.6 million, four-year grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Researchers are currently in the early stages of preclinical development, with no human clinical trial data yet available for the platform.
The players
Keck School of Medicine of USC
A research-focused medical school leading the development of the new radiotracer platform.
National Institutes of Health
The primary federal agency responsible for biomedical and public health research funding.
UCLA
A collaborating university providing expertise to the radiotracer research project.
The details
The platform utilizes a compact, chip-based device that performs chemical reactions within tiny droplets to synthesize imaging agents. By incorporating click chemistry, the system quickly binds radioactive building blocks to biological molecules. This approach replaces labor-intensive, large-scale synthesis methods with a more efficient, automated workflow designed for easier deployment.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The research project and grant were officially announced.
Next 1-2 years: The team will focus on device optimization and preliminary tracer testing.
Health Landscape
This project represents a push toward the decentralization of radiochemistry, which has historically been confined to specialized, large-scale laboratories. It aligns with broader trends in medical imaging to streamline tracer production and expand the use of diagnostic tools for oncological care.
This research remains in the preclinical phase and does not currently change the standard of care for patients in Los Angeles or elsewhere. If you have questions about whether a PET scan is appropriate for your specific diagnosis, consult with your oncology team to discuss current imaging options.
The takeaway
Advancements in radiotracer technology may eventually simplify the diagnostic process for complex cancers. In the meantime, patients should keep track of their diagnostic imaging requirements and discuss the necessity and availability of specific scans with their primary physician or oncologist.
Further reading
For more information on diagnostic advancements, visit Cancer.
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