Abstract
The PennPET Explorer, a prototype whole-body imager currently operating with a 64-cm axial field of view, can image the major body organs simultaneously with higher sensitivity than that of commercial devices. We report here the initial human imaging studies on the PennPET Explorer, with each study designed to test specific capabilities of the device. Methods: Healthy subjects were imaged with FDG on the PennPET Explorer. Subsequently, clinical subjects with disease were imaged with 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTATATE, and research subjects were imaged with experimental radiotracers. Results: We demonstrated the ability to scan for a shorter duration or, alternatively, with less activity, without a compromise in image quality. Delayed images, up to 10 half-lives with 18F-FDG, revealed biologic insight and supported the ability to track biologic processes over time. In a clinical subject, the PennPET Explorer better delineated the extent of 18F-FDG–avid disease. In a second clinical study with 68Ga-DOTATATE, we demonstrated comparable diagnostic image quality between the PennPET scan and the clinical scan, but with one fifth the activity. Dynamic imaging studies captured relatively noise-free input functions for kinetic modeling approaches. Additional studies with experimental research radiotracers illustrated the benefits from the combination of large axial coverage and high sensitivity. Conclusion: These studies provided a proof of concept for many proposed applications for a PET scanner with a long axial field of view.
Highlights
Molecular imaging with PET offers the unique ability to noninvasively interrogate biologic processes through the detection of emitted photons from an administered radiotracer
We have come together as the EXPLORER consortium to develop whole-body PET imaging devices [4,5]. As part of this effort, we have developed the PennPET Explorer, a whole-body PET imager [6]
Two large-axial-field of view (FOV) PET scanners have been borne out of this program: a 194-cm scanner developed by a team at the University of California, Davis, in collaboration with United Imaging Healthcare and a scanner developed at the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with KAGE Medical and Philips Healthcare
Summary
Molecular imaging with PET offers the unique ability to noninvasively interrogate biologic processes through the detection of emitted photons from an administered radiotracer. Limited by a standard axial field of view (FOV) of less than 26 cm, commercial PET scanners detect about 1% of emitted photons and need to move through several bed positions to capture relevant anatomy [1,2,3] To overcome these limitations, we have come together as the EXPLORER consortium to develop whole-body PET imaging devices [4,5]. The tradeoff between administered activity and image quality is well established, the dramatic increase in sensitivity afforded by a whole-body PET imager opens the door to previously unthinkable possibilities such as PET images with essentially negligible radiation exposure or dynamic images of the whole body with high temporal resolution Imaging isotopes such as 68Ga, whose activity is often limited by generator production, or delayed imaging with longer-lived isotopes such as 18F to study late kinetics [7], becomes feasible. NA h 23 min h 52 min h 46 min min h 12 min h 39 min h 0 min h 13 min h 57 min h 2 min
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