Use of Monochromatic X rays in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy. What Is It Going toTake

摘要

Soon the Vanderbilt University free electron laser will be used to produce near-monochromatic x-ray beams using the phenomenon of Compton backscattering. This tunable beam has an attractive geometry and flux suitable for use in both diagnostic medical imaging and chemoradiotherapy. The earliest diagnostic trials of the efficacy of such radiation beams center on improved breast cancer diagnosis, lung tumor discrimination, and dual energy subtraction angiography of the cardiac, pulmonary, carotid, and intracerebral circulations. Schemata for dual keV x-ray generation, both serial and simultaneous, are under study, along with newer configurations for data acquisition. Early results have been promising. in the study of breast biopsy specimens, but expanded biopsy, animal, and human trials are needed to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the process. Radiation dose reductions and improved conspicuity of lesions are projected using painless, non-invasive methods.