Speaker
Description
Overview: We report on ongoing research and development of configurable multi-modal PET and SPECT imaging and dosimetry technology that shows great promise for range verification in proton therapy, imaging of injected radio-pharmaceuticals, or as high resolution insert cameras enhancing MRI. With a large solid angle geometry configuration, boosted by the depth of interaction (DoI) and time of flight (ToF), the sensitivity of such instruments reaches unprecedented high levels thus enabling high-resolution low-dose imaging. It can characterize the FLASH irradiations micro-environment necessary to elucidate the effect or be used for mapping dementia and Alzheimer’s disorders. The versatility of our family of instrument designs presents an unparalleled complete nuclear imaging diagnostics system.
Proton therapy: Improving radiation therapy could reduce common post-treatment complications and significantly boost the overall treatment effectiveness. Radiotherapy mostly relies on gamma rays that affect both cancerous and surrounding healthy tissue, leading to side effects and toxicity. Proton beam therapy, in contrast, offers precise energy deposition, allowing for targeted treatment with little collateral damage. Moreover, therapeutic proton beams, unlike gamma beams, emit secondary radiation that can be monitored in real time if suitable instruments are employed. However, while a lot of effort is involved in treatment planning, the in vivo proton range verification– confirming that the beam is delivered as intended – remains underdeveloped. Our patented ideas directly address this unmet need of proton therapy by advancing in-beam cameras for the in vivo diagnostics that can lead to real-time irradiation verification and adaptive treatment protocols that would considerably improve treatment precision and therapy outcomes.
Importantly, the recently discovered but not-yet-understood FLASH effect – better relative sparing of healthy tissues compared to cancer tissues when treated by very high-dose and ultra-short beams, has the potential to revolutionize radiation oncology. However, any future clinical use of FLASH therapy will require much more accurate delivery with the in vivo feedback diagnostics and new therapies with just a few beam fractions are expected to lead to a much higher patient throughput. To implement these beam therapy monitoring ideas, we propose small, configurable, low-cost PET and SPECT scanners. Unlike large footprint commercial units, our instruments can lead to a much broader use of nuclear imaging and dosimetry in clinics and in research labs.
Versatility: We enhance capabilities of an instrument realized as ToF PET for Proton Therapy by a US-Portugal consortium. A new double-ended readout, necessary for DoI, and gamma collimation extend the technology to enable prompt gamma imaging (PGI) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during the beam spill. Our instruments respond to wide-ranging needs not only in proton therapy or oncological imaging and dosimetry but also in neurological clinical diagnostics and in research. The ultimate objective is to develop cost-effective imaging modules suitable for cost-effective clinical integration and research applications, delivering an unparalleled tool for both proton therapy, and radiation biology research. We will present how these concepts have been so far validated in both conventional and FLASH proton beams, and are now being established at a commercial level.
| Track | FTMI |
|---|---|
| Presentation type | Oral |