Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a functional (or molecular) imaging technique that employs radiotracers to visualize biological processes in the body. However, current PET scanners have inherent limitations, including a restricted axial field-of-view (AFOV), which means they are unable to capture images of the entire body in a single scan, and limited spatial resolution. These constraints reduce detection sensitivity, limit the ability to identify small lesions, and necessitate the administration of higher radiotracer doses. Our overarching objective is to develop the next generation of multi-organ PET imaging technology that overcomes the aforementioned limitations and serves a range of emerging clinical purposes. These applications encompass, but are not restricted to, low-dose breast and prostate screening, low-dose pediatric, cardiac, and neuroimaging, as well as standard dose assessment of early responses to targeted systemic therapies in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This clinical application aligns with current trends in personalized and precision medicine by shifting the focus from non-specific to organ-specific imaging approaches. The foundation for this proposed research rests on our patented solid-state PET detector technology, which combines an optimal AFOV tailored for specific organs or diseases of interest, high-resolution, and efficient radiotracer detection. This technology was initially employed in breast-targeted imaging (Positron Emission Mammography or PEM) and demonstrated superior diagnostic capabilities compared to conventional breast imaging modalities in clinical trials. To further advance this technology and extend its benefits beyond breast cancer detection, we aim to develop novel detector readout electronics to enhance the sensitivity and dynamic range of PET detectors. Additionally, our focus lies in improving spatial resolution through a new coordinate reconstruction technique and the construction of a 3D organ-targeted PET scanner. The proposed advancements in detector technology, electronics, and reconstruction techniques represent a significant scientific and engineering accomplishment in the continuous development of PET detectors and systems. The anticipated higher detection sensitivity (exceeding 10%) combined with an expanded dynamic range and high spatial resolution, offers core advantages. It can lead to reduced radiation doses, making molecular imaging practical for routine use in screening, pediatric imaging, and other low-dose applications. Additionally, at the standard dose, this advancement can result in shorter examination times, improving patient comfort and throughput while improving image contrast for accurate quantitative assessment of PET images. Consequently, this program is poised to bring substantial benefits to healthcare in Canada and globally.