ProSPECTuS: Preclinical Trials
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a widely used imaging modality in medicine which uses radio-pharmaceuticals labelled with gamma emitting radioisotopes. Existing SPECT systems have a limiting position resolution of about 10 mm for body imaging and 7 mm for the head. The proposed system will offer an image resolution of 2-3 mm with a sensitivity a factor of ~100 larger than existing systems, while simultaneously enabling SPECT/MRI multimodality imaging. The ProSPECTus imager will open existing markets worth in excess of £300M pa to UK companies, covering medical, pharmaceutical, homeland security, science and defence. The consortium brings an internationally leading reputation and many years experience with semiconductor radiation detectors, electronics and software design. Key clinical input and trials are provided through Clinicians at the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology , the University of Liverpool Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis Research Centre [MARIARC] and the Interventional Radiology and Medical Imaging Group at the Royal Liverpool University NHS Trust.
Publications
Harkness L
(2012)
Semiconductor detectors for Compton imaging in nuclear medicine
in Journal of Instrumentation
Harkness L
(2012)
A Compton camera application for the GAMOS GEANT4-based framework
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Harkness L
(2013)
Characterisation of a Si(Li) orthogonal-strip detector
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
| Description | A new state-of-the art SPECT/MR demonstrator has been realised. Pre-clinical trials indicate that the performance of the system is a factor 10 more sensitive then ext siting clinical SPECT cameras. |
| Exploitation Route | The next phase of the project will lead to clinical trials. This will be in collaboration with a small OEM and a clinical partner. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | A new state-of-the art SPECT/MR demonstrator has been realised. Pre-clinical trials indicate that the performance of the system is a factor 10 more sensitive then ext siting clinical SPECT cameras. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Economic |
| Title | New image reconstruction methodology |
| Description | A new 3D image fusion reconstruction metrology has been developed for real time 3D Compton gamma-ray imaging. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Significant improvement in image resolution and over ally system sensitivity |
| Description | Proton Therapy |
| Organisation | The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Access to the Proton Therapy facility for measurements with phantoms. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Extensive clinical knowledge and experience. |
| Impact | The research work is in progress |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Title | SPECT/MR Compton imager |
| Description | A new SPECT/MR camera |
| Type | Diagnostic Tool - Imaging |
| Current Stage Of Development | Refinement. Non-clinical |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2014 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | Potential for short scan time with SPECT or reduced dose to patient |
| Title | Compton Imaging algorithms |
| Description | Novel Compton Imaging algorithms to reconstruct 3D image data |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Impact | Improvements in image quality/sensitivity and fusion |
| Title | Pulse Shape Analysis algorithms |
| Description | Signal decomposition algorithms for large volume semiconductor detectors |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Open Source License? | Yes |
| Impact | Precise and accurate position determination with a large volume detector offers huge improvements in the subsequent processing of the signal data |
| Description | Advances in semiconductor sensors, Gamma-ray imaging systems, South Dakota, USA |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | International conference on germanium detector systems. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Imaging 2016 conference presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Imaging 2016 international conference in Stockholm, Sweden. Showcasing the impact of STFC technology in Medical Imaging. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Physics INNOVATE |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Physics INNOVATE was run as part of the international festival of business. Held in Liverpool at the Convention Centre (2016) and the Town Hall (2015). The event showcased the key UoL and STFC technologies to a broad range of industry. A number of new projects have commenced following these events. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016 |