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Zorz A, Rossato MA, Turco P, Colombo Gomez LM, Bettinelli A, De Monte F, Paiusco M, Zucchetta P, Cecchin D. Performance evaluation of the 3D-ring cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) StarGuide system according to the NEMA NU 1-2018 standard. EJNMMI Phys 2024; 11:69. [PMID: 39052176 PMCID: PMC11272762 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-024-00671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of semi-conductor detectors such as cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) in nuclear medicine improves extrinsic energy resolution and count sensitivity due to the direct conversion of gamma photons into electric signals. A 3D-ring pixelated CZT system named StarGuide was recently developed and implemented by GE HealthCare for SPECT acquisition. The system consists of 12 detector columns with seven modules of 16 × 16 CZT pixelated crystals, each with an integrated parallel-hole tungsten collimator. The axial coverage is 27.5 cm. The detector thickness is 7.25 mm, which allows acquisitions in the energy range [40-279] keV. Since there is currently no performance characterization specific to 3D-ring CZT SPECT systems, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 1-2018 clinical standard can be tailored to these cameras. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the SPECT/CT StarGuide system according to the NEMA NU 1-2018 clinical standard specifically adapted to characterize the new 3D-ring CZT. RESULTS Due to the integrated collimator, the system geometry and the pixelated nature of the detector, some NEMA tests have been adapted to the features of the system. The extrinsic measured energy resolution was about 5-6% for the tested isotopes (99mTc, 123I and 57Co); the maximum count rate was 760 kcps and the observed count rate at 20% loss was 917 kcps. The system spatial resolution in air extrapolated at 10 cm with 99mTc was 7.2 mm, while the SPECT spatial resolutions with scatter were 4.2, 3.7 and 3.6 mm in a central, radial and tangential direction respectively. Single head sensitivity value for 99mTc was 97 cps/MBq; with 12 detector columns, the system volumetric sensitivity reached 520 kcps MBq-1 cc-1. CONCLUSIONS The performance tests of the StarGuide can be performed according to the NEMA NU 1-2018 standard with some adaptations. The system has shown promising results, particularly in terms of energy resolution, spatial resolution and volumetric sensitivity, potentially leading to higher quality clinical images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zorz
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marco Andrea Rossato
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Turco
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bettinelli
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca De Monte
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Paiusco
- Medical Physics Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Zucchetta
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Vergnaud L, Dewaraja YK, Giraudet AL, Badel JN, Sarrut D. A review of 177Lu dosimetry workflows: how to reduce the imaging workloads? EJNMMI Phys 2024; 11:65. [PMID: 39023648 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-024-00658-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
177 Lu radiopharmaceutical therapy is a standardized systemic treatment, with a typical dose of 7.4 GBq per injection, but its response varies from patient to patient. Dosimetry provides the opportunity to personalize treatment, but it requires multiple post-injection images to monitor the radiopharmaceutical's biodistribution over time. This imposes an additional imaging burden on centers with limited resources. This review explores methods to lessen this burden by optimizing acquisition types and minimizing the number and duration of imaging sessions. After summarizing the different steps of dosimetry and providing examples of dosimetric workflows for177 Lu -DOTATATE and177 Lu -PSMA, we examine dosimetric workflows based on a reduced number of acquisitions, or even just one. We provide a non-exhaustive description of simplified methods and their assumptions, as well as their limitations. Next, we detail the specificities of each normal tissue and tumors, before reviewing dose-response relationships in the literature. In conclusion, we will discuss the current limitations of dosimetric workflows and propose avenues for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Vergnaud
- CREATIS; CNRS UMR 5220; INSERM U 1044, Université de Lyon; INSA-Lyon; Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Yuni K Dewaraja
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Jean-Noël Badel
- CREATIS; CNRS UMR 5220; INSERM U 1044, Université de Lyon; INSA-Lyon; Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Centre de lutte contre le cancer Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - David Sarrut
- CREATIS; CNRS UMR 5220; INSERM U 1044, Université de Lyon; INSA-Lyon; Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Centre de lutte contre le cancer Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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Clore J, Scott PJH. [ 68Ga]PSMA-11 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive lesions in men with prostate cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:565-582. [PMID: 39054633 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2383439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Theranostics targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) represent a new targeted approach for prostate cancer care that combines diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat the disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) is the imaging method of choice and several diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals for quantifying PSMA have received FDA approval and are in clinical use. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 is one such imaging agent and the focus of this article. One beta-emitting radioligand therapy ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617) has also received FDA approval for prostate cancer treatment, and several other alpha- and beta-emitting radioligand therapies are in clinical trials. AREAS COVERED Theranostics targeting PSMA in men with prostate cancer are discussed with a focus on use of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 for imaging PSMA-positive lesions in men with prostate cancer. The review covers [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 manufacture, current regulatory status, comparison of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 to other imaging techniques, clinical updates, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET. EXPERT OPINION [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 is used in conjunction with a PET/CT scan to image PSMA positive lesions in men with prostate cancer. It is manufactured by chelating precursor with68Ga, either from a generator or cyclotron, and has regulatory approval around the world. It is widely used clinically in conjunction with radioligand therapies like [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Clore
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter J H Scott
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Verger A, Cecchin D, Guedj E, Albert NL, Brendel M, Fraioli F, Tolboom N, Traub-Weidinger T, Yakushev I, Van Weehaeghe D, Fernandez PA, Garibotto V, Imbert L. EANM perspectives for CZT SPECT in brain applications. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06788-6. [PMID: 38858281 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06788-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Verger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Nancyclotep Imaging Platform, CHRU Nancy, Université de Lorraine, IADI, INSERM U1254, Allée du Morvan, Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eric Guedj
- Département de Médecine Nucléaire, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, Hôpital de La Timone, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Francesco Fraioli
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Nelleke Tolboom
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tatjana Traub-Weidinger
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine, Clinic Donaustadt, Vienna Health Care Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts dr Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Donatienne Van Weehaeghe
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Pablo Aguiar Fernandez
- CIMUS, Universidade Santiago de Compostela & Nuclear Medicine Department, Univ. Hospital IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Valentina Garibotto
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland
- NIMTLab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Imbert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Nancyclotep Imaging Platform, CHRU Nancy, Université de Lorraine, IADI, INSERM U1254, Allée du Morvan, Nancy, 54500, France
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Nuttens V, Schramm G, D'Asseler Y, Koole M. Comparison of a 3D CZT and conventional SPECT/CT system for quantitative Lu-177 SPECT imaging. EJNMMI Phys 2024; 11:29. [PMID: 38499797 PMCID: PMC10948674 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-024-00627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Next-generation SPECT/CT systems with CdZnTe (CZT) digital detectors in a ring-like setup are emerging to perform quantitative Lu-177 SPECT imaging in clinical routine. It is essential to assess how the shorter acquisition time might affect the image quality and uncertainty on the mean absorbed dose of the tumors and organs at risk compared to a conventional system. METHODS A NEMA Image Quality phantom was scanned with a 3D CZT SPECT/CT system (Veriton, by Spectrum Dynamics) using 6 min per bed position and with a conventional SPECT/CT system (Symbia T16, by Siemens) using 16 min per bed position. The sphere-to-background ratio was 12:1 and the background activity concentration ranged from 0.52 to 0.06 MBq/mL. A clinical reconstruction protocol for dosimetry purposes was determined for both systems by maximizing the sphere-to-background ratio while keeping the coefficient of variation of the background as low as possible. The corresponding image resolution was determined by the matching filter method and used for a dose uncertainty assessment of both systems following an established uncertainty model.. RESULTS The optimized iterative reconstruction protocol included scatter and attenuation correction for both systems and detector response modeling for the Siemens system. For the 3D CZT system, 6 iterations and 8 subsets were combined with a Gaussian post-filter of 3 mm Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) for post-smoothing. For the conventional system, 16 iterations and 16 subsets were applied with a Gaussian post-smoothing filter of 1 mm FWHM. For these protocols, the sphere-to-background ratio was 18.5% closer to the true ratio for the conventional system compared to the 3D CZT system when considering the four largest spheres. Meanwhile, the background coefficient of variation was very similar for both systems. These protocols resulted in SPECT image resolution of 14.8 mm and 13.6 mm for the 3D CZT and conventional system respectively. Based on these resolution estimates, a 50% dose uncertainty corresponded to a lesion volume of 28 mL for the conventional system and a lesion volume of 33 mL for the 3D CZT system. CONCLUSIONS An optimized reconstruction protocol for a Veriton system with 6 min of acquisition time per bed position resulted in slightly higher dose uncertainties than a conventional Symbia system using 16 min of acquisition time per bed position. Therefore, a 3D CZT SPECT/CT allows to significantly reduce the acquisition times with only a very limited impact on dose uncertainties such that quantitative Lu-177 SPECT/CT imaging becomes much more accessible for treatment concurrent dosimetry. Nevertheless, the uncertainty of SPECT-based dose estimates remains high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Nuttens
- Nuclear Medicine, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium.
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Georg Schramm
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves D'Asseler
- Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michel Koole
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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George SC, Tolakanahalli R, Aguirre S, Kim TP, Samuel EJJ, Mishra V. A single-institution experience with 177Lu RPT workflow improvements and qualifying the SPECT/CT imaging for dosimetry. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331266. [PMID: 38469241 PMCID: PMC10925616 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Implementing any radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) program requires a comprehensive review of system readiness, appropriate workflows, and training to ensure safe and efficient treatment delivery. A quantitative assessment of the dose delivered to targets and organs at risk (OAR) using RPT is possible by correlating the absorbed doses with the delivered radioactivity. Integrating dosimetry into an established RPT program demands a thorough analysis of the necessary components and system fine-tuning. This study aims to report an optimized workflow for molecular radiation therapy using 177Lu with a primary focus on integrating patient-specific dosimetry into an established radiopharmaceutical program in a radiation oncology setting. Materials and methods We comprehensively reviewed using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, including efficacy and accuracy of delivery and all aspects of radiation safety of the RPT program. The GE Discovery SPECT/CT 670DR™ system was calibrated per MIM protocol for dose calculation on MIM SurePlan™ MRT software. Jaszcak Phantom with 15-20 mCi of 177Lu DOTATATE with 2.5 µM EDTA solution was used, with the main energy window defined as 208 keV ±10% (187.6 to 229.2 keV); the upper scatter energy window was set to 240 keV ±5% (228 to 252 keV), while the lower scatter energy window was 177.8 keV ±5% (168.9 to 186.7 keV). Volumetric quality control tests and adjustments were performed to ensure the correct alignment of the table, NM, and CT gantry on SPECT/CT. A comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) test was performed to ensure workflow, functionality, and quantitative dose accuracy. Results Workflow improvements and checklists are presented after systematically analyzing over 400 administrations of 177Lu-based RPT. Injected activity to each sphere in the NEMA Phantom scan was quantified, and the MIM Sureplan MRT reconstruction images calculated activities within ±12% of the injected activity. Image alignment tests on the SPECT/CT showed a discrepancy of more than the maximum tolerance of 2.2 mm on any individual axis. As a result of servicing the machine and updating the VQC and COR corrections, the hybrid imaging system was adjusted to achieve an accuracy of <1 mm in all directions. Conclusion Workflows and checklists, after analysis of system readiness and adequate training for staff and patients, are presented. Hardware and software components for patient-specific dosimetry are presented with a focus on hybrid image registration and correcting any errors that affect dosimetric quantification calculation. Moreover, this manuscript briefly overviews the necessary quality assurance requirements for converting diagnostic images into dosimetry measurement tools and integrating dosimetry for RPT based on 177Lu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siju C. George
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Physics, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ranjini Tolakanahalli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Santiago Aguirre
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Taehyung Peter Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Vivek Mishra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, Miami, FL, United States
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Van Laere C, Koole M, Deroose CM, de Voorde MV, Baete K, Cocolios TE, Duchemin C, Ooms M, Cleeren F. Terbium radionuclides for theranostic applications in nuclear medicine: from atom to bedside. Theranostics 2024; 14:1720-1743. [PMID: 38389843 PMCID: PMC10879862 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Terbium features four clinically interesting radionuclides for application in nuclear medicine: terbium-149, terbium-152, terbium-155, and terbium-161. Their identical chemical properties enable the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals with the same pharmacokinetic character, while their distinctive decay characteristics make them valuable for both imaging and therapeutic applications. In particular, terbium-152 and terbium-155 are useful candidates for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, respectively; whereas terbium-149 and terbium-161 find application in α- and β--/Auger electron therapy, respectively. This unique characteristic makes the terbium family ideal for the "matched-pair" principle of theranostics. In this review, the advantages and challenges of terbium-based radiopharmaceuticals are discussed, covering the entire chain from radionuclide production to bedside administration. It elaborates on the fundamental properties of terbium, the production routes of the four interesting radionuclides and gives an overview of the available bifunctional chelators. Finally, we discuss the preclinical and clinical studies as well as the prospects of this promising development in nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Van Laere
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Institute for Nuclear Medical Applications, Mol, Belgium
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michel Koole
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe M. Deroose
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van de Voorde
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Institute for Nuclear Medical Applications, Mol, Belgium
| | - Kristof Baete
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas E. Cocolios
- KU Leuven, Institute for Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Maarten Ooms
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Institute for Nuclear Medical Applications, Mol, Belgium
| | - Frederik Cleeren
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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