The main objective of this project is the development of breast cancer imaging methods using a rotating gamma camera for SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography). The gamma camera consists of a CdZnTe detector and a tungsten or lead slat collimator; therefore this solid-state detector does not use photomultiplier-tubes. Instead of using a parallel-hole collimator, a set of parallel slats that define a series of planes are used to collimate the incoming photons. As a result, the measured projection data are planar integrals as opposed to the line integrals that are generally encountered in traditional Anger camera applications. One advantage of this new gamma camera is its higher energy resolution (about 3% FWHM at 140 keV photopeak) than a regular Anger camera (about 10% FWHM at 140 keV photopeak). Therefore we are able to acquire nearly Compton scatter free data. Another advantage is that the resultant SPECT image will be local. This means that the reconstructed region-of-interest (ROI) is not affected by the radioactivities outside the ROI and in other organs. The radioactivities in the heart and liver are usually high and usually contaminate the projection data of the breast. Our reconstruction algorithm is able to exclude the activities outside the ROI. The overall goal of the project is to develop efficient and accurate three-dimensional SPECT reconstructions for breast imaging using the new CdZnTe camera. The work has the potential to significantly improve the detection of small cancerous lesions in the breast, and significantly improve the diagnostic capabilities of SPECT imaging of the breast. This proposal promotes the development of very novel (high risk, high gain) technologies, including continued support for their maturation and full exploitation, and promote system integration of technologies for targeted applications.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21EB003298-02
Application #
6782564
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRR1-BT-8 (01))
Program Officer
Wolbarst, Anthony B
Project Start
2003-09-01
Project End
2006-08-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$149,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112