Optimizing and Evaluating an Integrated SPECT-CmT System Dedicated to Improved 3-D Breast Cancer Imaging

摘要

The overall objective of this research is to optimize the development of a combined dual-modality single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and x-ray computed mammotomography (CmT) system for the earlier detection and staging of breast cancer, improving surgical biopsy guidance, and the monitoring of patient therapy response. It is believed that co-registered acquisition of emission (nuclear) and transmission (x-ray) data using both 3D imaging modalities in a common field of view may aid to accurately localize the radioactive uptake of a tumor in the emission image by using anatomical structure from the transmission image. In this second year, the radiation dose absorbed by the uncompressed breast during a regular tomographic scan using is extensively quantified using the developed tomographic system. New concept designs for the next generation 3D breast CmT system are also developed, in addition to new tomographic trajectories designed to overcome limitations in the ability of the developed CmT system to view the chest wall of the prone patient. In addition to the technical work, other aspects of the training program were also completed, including site visits to a major medical imaging company, the presentation of the research at scientific conferences, and the ongoing submission of a manuscript to a major peer reviewed journal. Finally, the doctoral thesis arising from this research was written and successfully defended by the author.