Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Penn PET Explorer

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Program - Session 1

Moderator: Joel Karp

1:00-1:10 Joel Karp - Welcome and Introduction

University of Pennsylvania

 

dr. joel karp

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1:15-1:45 Ramsey Badawi - Applications and Opportunities for Total Body PET

University of California, Davis

 

dr. ramsey badawi

Abstract

The idea of Total Body PET was first suggested in 1993. However, it was not until the turn of the century that effective technologies were available to bring this idea to reality, and it was not until 2015 that funds became available to build the first prototype. This presentation will present some of the technical benefits and challenges of Total Body PET, and will describe in broad terms the expected application areas. The history, progress and early results from the UC Davis Total Body PET program will also be described.

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1:50-2:10 Stefaan Vandenberghe - Potential novel applications of a high resolution Total body TOF PET scanner (PET20.0)

Ghent University

dr. stefaan vandenberg

Abstract

Total body PET (TB-PET) is a very promising concept for new applications in the field of molecular imaging and biomedical research with the only drawback the high material costs for building the system.

The PET20.0 design is based on monolithic scintillator technology which should push the resolution to the lower limits for body PET (close to 2mm). The system also has a compact bore (inner diameter of 65 cm) and limited axial FOV of 1m making it cost effective. The 1m long system was also configured for long objects (up to 2m) without increasing the cost by axially separating the 32 rings. Due to oblique data
redundancy the full object can still be reconstructed.

The cost of detectors for TB- PET scan can be reduced by more than 50 % compared to the Explorer. This system will be excellent for most of the applications. In this talk we will discuss potential applications:

 

  1. High throughput animal imaging with moderate spatial resolution. This volume can be easily filled with a rack of animal cages in a cylindrical holder (Animal Hotel). This cylinder can be transported through the PET system and all animals can be simultaneously acquired. Each animal can be individually extracted before reconstruction using ring differences and TOF information, then separately reconstructed (using the general CT scan for Attenuation correction). The number of beds in this volume was calculated for the expected TOF resolution of 200-400 ps for mice (4 cm diameter and 12 cm axial bed) and rats (8 cm bed with 24 cm axial length).
  2. New clinical applications thanks to low dose imaging capabilities. The low dose option in TB PET is interesting for fields like rheumatology, paediatric patients and opens up options for screening of cancer.
  3. Quantitative follow up and dosimetry in different therapies. Radionuclide therapy requires accurate follow up of patients and the concept of Total body PET enables fast and accurate dosimetry for a several half lives
  4. Fundamental science. Development and effects of pollution, external stress, temperature on living subjects (plants, large animals and humans)

 

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2:15-2:35 Daniel Pryma - Theranostic doors opened by a long field of view PET/CT

University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

Theranostic radiopharmaceuticals/companion diagnostics often combine long half-lives (to match with therapeutic radioisotopes) with low positron abundance. These factors combine to result in relatively low count rates. Furthermore, most dosimetric applications require multiple scans over several half-lives. Taken together, it is challenging to obtain companion diagnostic and dosimetric data to optimally inform radiopharmaceutical therapy planning. A long field of view device has the potential to dramatically alter the type and quality of data practically achievable by enabling rapid and high sensitivity scans encompassing all relevant organs simultaneously.

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2:40-2:55 Coffee break

coffee break

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For the session 2 program click here