Clinical Application of the J-PET Scanner Prototype

Summary

Positron emission tomography (PET), an advanced diagnostic imaging technique, exploits the annihilation of positrons (e+) to delineate pathological alterations within diseased tissues. Integral to PET scanners are detector systems that transform gamma photons into fluorescent photons, thereby gleaning insights into the energy, time, and spatial distribution of gamma photons emanating from positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. Conventional PET scanners, bear a significant financial burden primarily due to their reliance on LSO (lutetium oxyorthosilicate) or LYSO (lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate) scintillation crystals. The exorbitant cost and limited availability of these crystal scintillators impede the widespread adoption of PET scanners. In a departure from conventional PET technology, the prototype J-PET scanner employed in this trial employs plastic scintillators, characterized by unique physical properties. This prototype is further equipped with bespoke software enabling three-photon imaging based on the annihilation of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) generated within diseased tissue. This study delves into the clinical applicability of PET scanners employing plastic scintillators, particularly investigating the feasibility of PET imaging using plastic scintillators where gamma quanta interact by mechanisms other than the photoelectric effect. Furthermore, this study endeavors to contemporaneously acquire and analyze data related to the lifetime of ortho-positronium (o-P) atoms emanating from routine radiopharmaceuticals. Additionally, it seeks to validate the utilization of a novel diagnostic indicator, termed the \"positron biomarker,\" through a prospective study, comparing its efficacy to conventional diagnostic PET scanning methodologies.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient is referred for a PET/CT scan, in accordance with recognized indications for examining the entire body.
* Age over 18 years
* Informed, voluntary consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women, breastfeeding women
* People with a previously diagnosed allergy to radiopharmaceuticals
* Age under 18 years
* Lack of cooperation with the patient
* Lack of informed consent to participate in the study

Conditions7

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