The Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) is a dedicated research center with expertise in conducting research studies and preclinical and human multimodal hybrid clinical trials using positron emission tomography (PET) to test new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
PET and MRI are complementary imaging modalities. Their combination provides unique research opportunities because PET has an excellent molecular sensitivity and MRI has excellent soft-tissue contrast and unique versatility. The clinical value of PET-MRI is reflected in an increasing availability of hybrid PET-MRI scanners. However, these highly specialized instruments are available at only a few research institutions.
In collaboration with the Center for Biomedical Imaging, at the University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and, part of the NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), BNAC is leveraging the close proximity of PET and MRI scanners to develop a hybrid imaging framework that allows PET-MRI imaging from the preclinical to the clinical stage. In particular, we are directly fusing serially acquired preclinical and clinical PET and MRI data as well as simultaneously acquired PET-MRI with our unique miniature PET detector, as well with our human MRI and PET/CT scanners. BNAC has established experimental protocols and developed computer programs for the co-registration, analysis and distribution of the hybrid imaging data.
Our center has a one-of-a-kind imaging facility for multi-modal hybrid PET-MRI-CT imaging studies from small animals, to large animals to clinical research studies and trials, enabling T1 through T4 translational research using nuclear imaging technology. This allows the exploration of new molecular diagnostic and treatment approaches in the preclinical setting followed by rapid translation to the clinical setting, addressing a critical bottleneck of current PET-based research. The availability of truly simultaneous PET-MRI-CT imaging technology sets the stage for entirely new functional, metabolic and pharmacokinetic research approaches in different models of disease, as well as approaches to investigate remyelination and repair in vivo using specific treatments.
For more information about PET imaging endpoints, click here.
FEATURED RECENT PET STUDIES
- Markiewicz PJ, Dwyer MG, Erlandsson K, Bergsland N, Zivadinov R. Evaluation of scanning strategies for multiple sclerosis clinical trials using TSPO-PET radioligand [18F]PBR06. Congress of the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, February 27 to March 1, 2025, West Palm Beach, FL.
Contact Our Team Today
Part of BNAC’s mission is to help share our tools and experience with our colleagues and other industry partners. If you need help with radiotracer development, PET acquisition and analyses in your research or clinical trial work, please reach out to discuss how we can assist. Our group brings decades of experience and expertise to every collaborative study and service partnership.
