RETHINKING POSITRON EMISSION TECHNOLOGY FOR EARLY CANCER DETECTION

摘要: Current PET technology, which detects cancer indirectly by measuring the size of tumors, is contrasted with a new technology that emphasizes directly abnormal metabolic activity characteristic very first cancerous cells improving efficiency medical imaging device hundreds times. Rather than maximizing spatial resolution, this approach minimizes threshold needed for early diagnosis. A redesigned detector assembly takes full advantage innovations in electronics to implement real-time algorithms allow use economical crystal detectors. The tradeoffs inherent choosing components, such as crystals, sensors, and electronics, achieving largest reduction deaths discussed justified. Theoretical calculations prototype data are provided references demonstrate all can be achieved at significantly lower radiation dosage per exam cost patient.