A new generation of scintillation detectors with identification of events undergoing multiple interactions for gamma-ray imaging and spectroscopy.

The present work deals with a scintillation detector made of a LuYAP:Ce array coupled to a position-sensitive photo-multiplier tube, whose structure is well suitable for SPECT and PET, but also in nuclear physics, astrophysics, astroparticle physics, homeland security, and non-proliferation. The response was investigated under Co-57, Ba-133, Cs-137 gamma-ray irradiation, and with Lu-176 self-activity. The investigation, based on the 2-D charge-profiles spread, provides means for identifying and rejecting multiple-interactions in the crystal-array, like Lu X-ray escape photons, and Compton-scattered ones.

Variable tilt-angle, parallel-hole collimation system for high-resolution molecular imaging gamma tomosynthesis.

Purpose: This study investigates a novel gamma tomosynthesis (GT) method based on a variable tilt-angle, parallel-hole collimator (VAPHC) which, mounting to a conventional gamma, is able to perform high-resolution three-dimensional imaging.

Methods: The VAPHC has the remarkable feature to be modular, consisting of independent collimation elements able to tilt according to variable angles [-45° to +45°]. Spatial resolutions were measured in reconstructed GT images using a point source at different source-to-collimator distances, while sensitivity was evaluated over the range of slant angles using a disk-source.

A 3-variable prognostic score (3-PS) for overall survival prediction in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with Radium-dichloride.

Objective: In mCRPC patients treated with Ra, a major issue is the validation of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers to maximize clinical benefit and minimize toxicities and costs. Bearing in mind how changes in tALP did not meet statistical requirements as surrogate marker for survival, aim of this single-center retrospective study was to characterize the prognostic and predictive role of baseline clinical variables associated with overall survival in patients receiving Ra treatment.

Methods: 92 consecutive CRPC patients with symptomatic bone metastases receiving Ra treatment were included.

Gamma camera calibrations for the Italian multicentre study for lesion dosimetry in Ra therapy of bone metastases.

Purpose: The aim was to calibrate gamma cameras in the framework of the Italian multicentre study for lesion dosimetry in Ra therapy of bone metastases. Equipments of several manufacturers and different models were used.

Methods: Eleven gamma cameras (3/8- and 5/8-inch crystal) were used, acquiring planar static images with double-peak (82 and 154keV, 20% wide) and MEGP collimator.

The Italian multicentre dosimetric study for lesion dosimetry in Ra therapy of bone metastases: Calibration protocol of gamma cameras and patient eligibility criteria.

Purpose: The aims of this work were to explore patient eligibility criteria for dosimetric studies in Ra therapy and evaluate the effects of differences in gamma camera calibration procedures into activity quantification.

Methods: Calibrations with Ra were performed with four gamma cameras (3/8-inch crystal) acquiring planar static images with double-peak (82 and 154keV, 20% wide) and MEGP collimator. The sensitivity was measured in air by varying activity, source-detector distance, and source diameter.

Dosimetry of bone metastases in targeted radionuclide therapy with alpha-emitting (223)Ra-dichloride.

Purpose: Ra-dichloride is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical used in the treatment of bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Image-based dosimetric studies remain challenging because the emitted photons are few. The aim of this study was to implement a methodology for in-vivo quantitative planar imaging, and to assess the absorbed dose to lesions using the MIRD approach.

High resolution scintimammography helps in differentiating benign from malignant findings in scintigraphic hot spots.

Several efforts have been focusing on the development of detectors devoted to high solution (99m)Tc sestamibi scintimammography to improve sensitivity for non palpable lesions. To this aim new high resolution scintillation gamma camera was developed under the "Integiated Mammographic Imaging" project. The gamma camera, made by CAEN and Pol.

New devices for imaging in nuclear medicine.

Pinhole gamma camera imaging offers the ability to obtain high resolution images from single gamma ray emitting radiotracers playing a reasonable tradeoff between very small field of view (FoV) and sensitivity. On the other hand the total spatial resolution of a pinhole imaging device is predominantly affected by the detector intrinsic spatial resolution for reduced magnification factors. To design very compact pinhole SPET scanners with very high intrinsic spatial resolution, authors investigated a miniature gamma camera based on the newly developed Hamamatsu H8500 flat panel photomultiplier.