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Sjögreen-Gleisner K, Flux G, Bacher K, Chiesa C, de Nijs R, Kagadis GC, Lima T, Georgosopoulou ML, Gabiña PM, Nekolla S, Peters S, Santos J, Sattler B, Stokke C, Tran-Gia J, Gilligan P, Bardiès M. EFOMP policy statement NO. 19: Dosimetry in nuclear medicine therapy - Molecular radiotherapy. Phys Med 2023; 116:103166. [PMID: 37926641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.103166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom (BSS Directive) includes optimisation of treatment with radiotherapeutic procedures based on patient dosimetry and verification of the absorbed doses delivered. The present policy statement summarises aspects of three directives relating to the therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals and medical devices, and outlines the steps needed for implementation of patient dosimetry for radioactive drugs. To support the transition from administrations of fixed activities to personalised treatments based on patient-specific dosimetry, EFOMP presents a number of recommendations including: increased networking between centres and disciplines to support data collection and development of codes-of-practice; resourcing to support an infrastructure that permits routine patient dosimetry; research funding to support investigation into individualised treatments; inter-disciplinary training and education programmes; and support for investigator led clinical trials. Close collaborations between the medical physicist and responsible practitioner are encouraged to develop a similar pathway as is routine for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. EFOMP's policy is to promote the roles and responsibilities of medical physics throughout Europe in the development of molecular radiotherapy to ensure patient benefit. As the BSS directive is adopted throughout Europe, unprecedented opportunities arise to develop informed treatments that will mitigate the risks of under- or over-treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glenn Flux
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Klaus Bacher
- Medical Physics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carlo Chiesa
- Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Robin de Nijs
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George C Kagadis
- 3DMI Research Group, Department of Medical Physics, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Thiago Lima
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland/Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Pablo Minguez Gabiña
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiation Protection, Gurutzeta-Cruces University Hospital /Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Stephan Nekolla
- School of Medicine and Health, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffie Peters
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joao Santos
- Medical Physics, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection Group, IPO Porto Research Center, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center & Health Research Network, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernhard Sattler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Caroline Stokke
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway & Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johannes Tran-Gia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paddy Gilligan
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Manuel Bardiès
- IRCM, UMR 1194 INSERM, Université de Montpellier and Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), France & Département de Médecine Nucléaire, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), France
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Hindorf C, Jessen L, Kapidzic SC, Blakkisrud J, Dalmo J, Engelsen O, Gustafsson J, Sandström M, Sæterstøl J, Gleisner KS. Traceable calibration with 177Lu and comparison of activity meters at hospitals in Norway and Sweden. Phys Med 2023; 116:103170. [PMID: 37989044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.103170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The activity meter is used to determine the activity of delivered radiopharmaceuticals, administered activity to patients and reference activity when gamma-cameras are calibrated prior to imaged-based dosimetry. The aim is to describe a procedure for cross-calibration of activity meters at different clinical sites, and report on 177Lu activity results when using factory-set calibration factors compared to when calibration is performed with traceability to a primary standard. METHODS Thirty activity meters placed at seven hospitals in Norway and Sweden from four manufacturers: Capintec, Commecer, NuviaTech and Veenstra were included. A stock solution with 177Lu was prepared at the local sites and measured in each activity meter with factory settings. The solution was shipped to the reference site at Lund University for measurements in a secondary standard activity meter. Deviations between local and reference activity measurements were determined for three geometries: 25-mL vial, 10-mL syringe and 1-mL syringe. RESULTS The median of the deviations was 6.4 % for the 25 mL vial, 5.9 % for the 10 mL syringe and 6.8 % for the 1 mL syringe. The median of the deviations for the 25 mL vial, was 1.5 % for activity meters from Capintec, 7.0 % for Comecer, 11.0 % for NuviaTech and 2.4 % for Veenstra. The majority of the deviations were positive and the maximum deviation was 14.5 %. CONCLUSION The activity of 177Lu measured in an activity meter with factory-set dial settings may yield deviations up to 14.5%, compared to activities measured with traceability to a primary standard. This would imply an undertreatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Hindorf
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lovisa Jessen
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Selma Curkic Kapidzic
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Radiation Physics, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Johan Blakkisrud
- Department of Physics and Computational Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanna Dalmo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ola Engelsen
- PET Imaging Center, University Hospital North Norway (UNN), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Johan Gustafsson
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Sandström
- Section of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jostein Sæterstøl
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Chauvie S, Mazzoni LN, O’Doherty J. A Review on the Use of Imaging Biomarkers in Oncology Clinical Trials: Quality Assurance Strategies for Technical Validation. Tomography 2023; 9:1876-1902. [PMID: 37888741 PMCID: PMC10610870 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9050149] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging biomarkers (IBs) have been proposed in medical literature that exploit images in a quantitative way, going beyond the visual assessment by an imaging physician. These IBs can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and response assessment of several pathologies and are very often used for patient management pathways. In this respect, IBs to be used in clinical practice and clinical trials have a requirement to be precise, accurate, and reproducible. Due to limitations in imaging technology, an error can be associated with their value when considering the entire imaging chain, from data acquisition to data reconstruction and subsequent analysis. From this point of view, the use of IBs in clinical trials requires a broadening of the concept of quality assurance and this can be a challenge for the responsible medical physics experts (MPEs). Within this manuscript, we describe the concept of an IB, examine some examples of IBs currently employed in clinical practice/clinical trials and analyze the procedure that should be carried out to achieve better accuracy and reproducibility in their use. We anticipate that this narrative review, written by the components of the EFOMP working group on "the role of the MPEs in clinical trials"-imaging sub-group, can represent a valid reference material for MPEs approaching the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Chauvie
- Medical Physics Division, Santa Croce e Carle Hospital, 12100 Cuneo, Italy;
| | | | - Jim O’Doherty
- Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA 19355, USA;
- Department of Radiology & Radiological Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 20455, USA
- Radiography & Diagnostic Imaging, University College Dublin, D04 C7X2 Dublin, Ireland
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Kovan B, Demir B, Işık EG, Has Şimşek D, Özkan ZG, Kuyumcu S, Türkmen C, Şanlı Y. An anthropomorphic body phantom for the determination of calibration factor in radionuclide treatment dosimetry. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023:ncad176. [PMID: 37334429 PMCID: PMC10372715 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to create an inhomogeneous human-like phantom, whose attenuation and scattering effects are similar to the human body, as an alternative to the homogeneous phantoms traditionally used in calibration factor (CF) determination. The phantom was designed to include the thorax, abdomen and upper pelvis regions sized to represent a 75-kg male with a body mass index of 25. Measurements using Lu-177 with 50- and 100-mL lesion volumes were performed using inhomogeneous anthropomorphic body phantom (ABP) and homogeneous NEMA PET body phantom. There was a difference of 5.7% of Calibration Factor including attenuation and scatter effect between ABP and NEMA PET body phantom. Because it better reflects the attenuation and scatter effect, it is recommended to use a human-like inhomogeneous phantom for determination of CF instead of a homogeneous phantom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Kovan
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Bayram Demir
- Science Faculty, Department of Physics, Istanbul University, Fatih34080, Turkey
| | - Emine Göknur Işık
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Duygu Has Şimşek
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Gözde Özkan
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Sekan Kuyumcu
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Cüneyt Türkmen
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Şanlı
- Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih 34080, Turkey
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5
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Gear J. Milestones in dosimetry for nuclear medicine therapy. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20220056. [PMID: 35451857 PMCID: PMC10996314 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear Medicine therapy has reached a critical juncture with an unprecedented number of patients being treated and an extensive list of new radiopharmaceuticals under development. Since the early applications of these treatments dosimetry has played a vital role in their development, in both aiding optimisation and enhancing safety and efficacy. To inform the future direction of this field, it is useful to reflect on the scientific and technological advances that have occurred since those early uses. In this review, we explore how dosimetry has evolved over the years and discuss why such initiatives were conceived and the importance of maintaining standards within our practise. Specific milestones and landmark publications are highlighted and a thematic review and significant outcomes during each decade are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Gear
- The Joint Department of Physics, The Royal Marsden NHS
Foundation Trust & Institute of Cancer Research,
Sutton, United Kingdom
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Kayal G, Clayton N, Vergara-Gil A, Struelens L, Bardiès M. Proof-of-concept of DosiTest: A virtual multicentric clinical trial for assessing uncertainties in molecular radiotherapy dosimetry. Phys Med 2022; 97:25-35. [PMID: 35339863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical dosimetry in molecular radiotherapy (MRT) is a multi-step procedure, prone to uncertainties at every stage of the dosimetric workflow. These are difficult to assess, especially as some are complex or even impossible to measure experimentally. The DosiTest project was initiated to assess the variability associated with clinical dosimetry, by setting up a 'virtual' multicentric clinical dosimetry trial based on Monte Carlo (MC) modelling. A reference patient model with a realistic geometry and activity input for a specific tracer is considered. Reference absorbed dose rate distribution maps are generated at various time-points from MC modelling, combining precise information on density and activity distributions (voxel wise). Then, centre-specific calibration and patient SPECT/CT datasets are modelled, on which the clinical centres can perform clinical (i.e. image-based) dosimetry. The results of this dosimetric analysis can be benchmarked against the reference dosimetry to assess the variability induced by implementing different clinical dosimetry approaches. The feasibility of DosiTest is presented here for a clinical situation of therapeutic administration of 177Lu-DOTATATE (Lutathera®) peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). From a real patient dataset composed of 5 SPECT/CT images and associated calibrations, we generated the reference absorbed dose rate images with GATE. Then, simulated SPECT/CT image generation based on GATE was performed, both for a calibration phantom and virtual patient images. Based on this simulated dataset, image-based dosimetry could be performed, and compared with reference dosimetry. The good agreement, between real and simulated images, and between reference and image-based dosimetry established the proof of concept of DosiTest.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kayal
- CRCT, UMR 1037, INSERM, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium.
| | - N Clayton
- CRCT, UMR 1037, INSERM, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - A Vergara-Gil
- CRCT, UMR 1037, INSERM, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - L Struelens
- SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - M Bardiès
- ICM, Département de Médecine Nucléaire, Montpellier, France; IRCM, UMR 1194 INSERM, Université de Montpellier and ICM, Montpellier, France
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EANM dosimetry committee recommendations for dosimetry of 177Lu-labelled somatostatin-receptor- and PSMA-targeting ligands. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:1778-1809. [PMID: 35284969 PMCID: PMC9015994 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05727-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the EANM Dosimetry Committee is to provide recommendations and guidance to scientists and clinicians on patient-specific dosimetry. Radiopharmaceuticals labelled with lutetium-177 (177Lu) are increasingly used for therapeutic applications, in particular for the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumours using ligands for somatostatin receptors and prostate adenocarcinoma with small-molecule PSMA-targeting ligands. This paper provides an overview of reported dosimetry data for these therapies and summarises current knowledge about radiation-induced side effects on normal tissues and dose-effect relationships for tumours. Dosimetry methods and data are summarised for kidneys, bone marrow, salivary glands, lacrimal glands, pituitary glands, tumours, and the skin in case of radiopharmaceutical extravasation. Where applicable, taking into account the present status of the field and recent evidence in the literature, guidance is provided. The purpose of these recommendations is to encourage the practice of patient-specific dosimetry in therapy with 177Lu-labelled compounds. The proposed methods should be within the scope of centres offering therapy with 177Lu-labelled ligands for somatostatin receptors or small-molecule PSMA.
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Ritt P. Recent Developments in SPECT/CT. Semin Nucl Med 2022; 52:276-285. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Lassmann M, Eberlein U, Gear J, Konijnenberg M, Kunikowska J. Dosimetry for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy: The European Perspective. J Nucl Med 2021; 62:73S-79S. [PMID: 34857624 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.262754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents efforts in Europe over the last few years with respect to standardization of quantitative imaging and dosimetry and comprises the results of several European research projects on practices regarding radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs). Because the European Union has regulatory requirements concerning dosimetry in RPTs, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine released a position paper in 2021 on the use of dosimetry under these requirements. The importance of radiobiology for RPTs is elucidated in another position paper by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. Furthermore, how dosimetry interacts with clinical requirements is described, with several clinical examples. In the future, more efforts need to be undertaken to increase teaching and standardization efforts and to incorporate radiobiology for further individualizing patient treatment, with the aim of improving the outcome and safety of RPTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lassmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uta Eberlein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Jonathan Gear
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Konijnenberg
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; and
| | - Jolanta Kunikowska
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Sgouros G, Frey E, Du Y, Hobbs R, Bolch W. Imaging and dosimetry for alpha-particle emitter radiopharmaceutical therapy: improving radiopharmaceutical therapy by looking into the black box. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 49:18-29. [PMID: 34782911 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiopharmaceutical therapy using α-particle emitting radionuclides (αRPT) is a novel treatment modality that delivers highly potent alpha-particles to cancer cells or their environment. We review the advantages and challenges of imaging and dosimetry in implementing αRPT for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Frey
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yong Du
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rob Hobbs
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Staanum PF, Frellsen AF, Olesen ML, Iversen P, Arveschoug AK. Practical kidney dosimetry in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using [ 177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [ 177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE with focus on uncertainty estimates. EJNMMI Phys 2021; 8:78. [PMID: 34773508 PMCID: PMC8590641 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-021-00422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kidney dosimetry after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using 177Lu-labelled somatostatin analogues is a procedure with multiple steps. We present the SPECT/CT-based implementation at Aarhus University Hospital and evaluate the uncertainty of the various steps in order to estimate the total uncertainty and to identify the major sources of uncertainty. Absorbed dose data from 115 treatment fractions are reported.
Results The total absorbed dose with uncertainty is presented for 59 treatments with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and 56 treatments with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. For [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC the mean and median specific absorbed dose (dose per injected activity) is 0.37 Gy/GBq and 0.38 Gy/GBq, respectively, while for [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE the median and mean are 0.47 Gy/GBq and 0.46 Gy/GBq, respectively. The uncertainty of the procedure is estimated to be about 13% for a single treatment fraction, where the absorbed dose calculation is based on three SPECT/CT scans 1, 4 and 7 days post-injection, while it increases to about 19% if only a single SPECT/CT scan is performed 1 day post-injection. Conclusions The specific absorbed dose values obtained with the described procedure are comparable to those from other treatment sites for both [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, but towards the lower end of the range of reported values. The estimated uncertainty is also comparable to that from other reports and judged acceptable for clinical and research use, thus proving the kidney dosimetry procedure a useful tool. The greatest reduction in uncertainty can be obtained by improved activity determination, partial volume correction and additional SPECT/CT scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Frøhlich Staanum
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Anders Floor Frellsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise Olesen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Iversen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Kirstine Arveschoug
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Tran-Gia J, Denis-Bacelar AM, Ferreira KM, Robinson AP, Calvert N, Fenwick AJ, Finocchiaro D, Fioroni F, Grassi E, Heetun W, Jewitt SJ, Kotzassarlidou M, Ljungberg M, McGowan DR, Scott N, Scuffham J, Gleisner KS, Tipping J, Wevrett J, Lassmann M. A multicentre and multi-national evaluation of the accuracy of quantitative Lu-177 SPECT/CT imaging performed within the MRTDosimetry project. EJNMMI Phys 2021; 8:55. [PMID: 34297218 PMCID: PMC8302709 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-021-00397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-specific dosimetry is required to ensure the safety of molecular radiotherapy and to predict response. Dosimetry involves several steps, the first of which is the determination of the activity of the radiopharmaceutical taken up by an organ/lesion over time. As uncertainties propagate along each of the subsequent steps (integration of the time-activity curve, absorbed dose calculation), establishing a reliable activity quantification is essential. The MRTDosimetry project was a European initiative to bring together expertise in metrology and nuclear medicine research, with one main goal of standardizing quantitative 177Lu SPECT/CT imaging based on a calibration protocol developed and tested in a multicentre inter-comparison. This study presents the setup and results of this comparison exercise. METHODS The inter-comparison included nine SPECT/CT systems. Each site performed a set of three measurements with the same setup (system, acquisition and reconstruction): (1) Determination of an image calibration for conversion from counts to activity concentration (large cylinder phantom), (2) determination of recovery coefficients for partial volume correction (IEC NEMA PET body phantom with sphere inserts), (3) validation of the established quantitative imaging setup using a 3D printed two-organ phantom (ICRP110-based kidney and spleen). In contrast to previous efforts, traceability of the activity measurement was required for each participant, and all participants were asked to calculate uncertainties for their SPECT-based activities. RESULTS Similar combinations of imaging system and reconstruction lead to similar image calibration factors. The activity ratio results of the anthropomorphic phantom validation demonstrate significant harmonization of quantitative imaging performance between the sites with all sites falling within one standard deviation of the mean values for all inserts. Activity recovery was underestimated for total kidney, spleen, and kidney cortex, while it was overestimated for the medulla. CONCLUSION This international comparison exercise demonstrates that harmonization of quantitative SPECT/CT is feasible when following very specific instructions of a dedicated calibration protocol, as developed within the MRTDosimetry project. While quantitative imaging performance demonstrates significant harmonization, an over- and underestimation of the activity recovery highlights the limitations of any partial volume correction in the presence of spill-in and spill-out between two adjacent volumes of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Tran-Gia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | - Andrew P Robinson
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering (CMPE), The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicholas Calvert
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering (CMPE), The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew J Fenwick
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Domenico Finocchiaro
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Fioroni
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisa Grassi
- Medical Physics Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Stephanie J Jewitt
- Radiation Physics and Protection, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Kotzassarlidou
- Nuclear Medicine Department, "THEAGENIO" Anticancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Daniel R McGowan
- Radiation Physics and Protection, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nathaniel Scott
- Radiation Physics and Protection, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - James Scuffham
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Jill Tipping
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering (CMPE), The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jill Wevrett
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Michael Lassmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Ramonaheng K, van Staden JA, du Raan H. The effect of calibration factors and recovery coefficients on 177Lu SPECT activity quantification accuracy: a Monte Carlo study. EJNMMI Phys 2021; 8:27. [PMID: 33738605 PMCID: PMC7973313 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-021-00365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different gamma camera calibration factor (CF) geometries have been proposed to convert SPECT data into units of activity concentration. However, no consensus has been reached on a standardised geometry. The CF is dependent on the selected geometry and is further affected by partial volume effects. This study investigated the effect of two CF geometries and their corresponding recovery coefficients (RCs) on the quantification accuracy of 177Lu SPECT images using Monte Carlo simulations. METHODS The CF geometries investigated were (i) a radioactive-sphere surrounded by non-radioactive water (sphere-CF) and (ii) a cylindrical phantom uniformly filled with radioactive water (cylinder-CF). Recovery coefficients were obtained using the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, yielding the sphere-RC and cylinder-RC values, respectively, for partial volume correction (PVC). The quantification accuracy was evaluated using four different-sized spheres (15.6-65.4 ml) and a kidney model with known activity concentrations inside a cylindrical, torso and patient phantom. Images were reconstructed with the 3D OS-EM algorithm incorporating attenuation, scatter and detector-response corrections. Segmentation was performed using the physical size and a small cylindrical volume inside the cylinder for the sphere-CF and cylinder-CF, respectively. RESULTS The sphere quantification error (without PVC) was better for the sphere-CF (≤ - 5.54%) compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ - 20.90%), attributed to the similar geometry of the quantified and CF spheres. Partial volume correction yielded comparable results for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.47%) and cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.53%). The accuracy of the kidney quantification was poorer (≤ 22.34%) for the sphere-CF without PVC compared to the cylinder-CF (≤ 2.44%). With PVC, the kidney quantification results improved and compared well for the sphere-CF-RC (≤ 3.50%) and the cylinder-CF-RC (≤ 3.45%). CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that upon careful selection of CF-RC combinations, comparable quantification errors (≤ 3.53%) were obtained between the sphere-CF-RC and cylinder-CF-RC, when all corrections were applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keamogetswe Ramonaheng
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
| | - Johannes A van Staden
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Hanlie du Raan
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
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Taprogge J, Wadsley J, Miles E, Flux GD. Recommendations for Multicentre Clinical Trials Involving Dosimetry for Molecular Radiotherapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 33:131-136. [PMID: 33342617 PMCID: PMC7818526 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Multicentre clinical trials involving a dosimetry component are becoming more prevalent in molecular radiotherapy and are essential to generate the evidence to support individualised approaches to treatment planning and to ensure that sufficient patients are recruited to achieve the statistical significance required. Quality assurance programmes should be considered to support the standardisation required to achieve meaningful results. Trials should be designed to ensure that dosimetry results from image acquisition systems across centres are comparable by incorporating steps to standardise the methodologies used for the quantification of images and dosimetry. Furthermore, it is essential to assess the expertise and resources available at each participating site prior to trial commencement. A quality assurance plan should be drawn up and training provided if necessary. Standardisation of quantification and dosimetry methodologies used in a trial are essential to ensure that results from different centres may be collated. In addition, appropriate uncertainty analysis should be carried out to correct for differences in methodologies between centres. Recommendations are provided to support dosimetry studies based on the experience of several previous and ongoing multicentre trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Taprogge
- National Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group, Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Sutton, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| | | | - E Miles
- National Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Northwood, UK
| | - G D Flux
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Sutton, UK
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Craig AJ, Rojas B, Wevrett JL, Hamer E, Fenwick A, Gregory R. IPEM topical report: current molecular radiotherapy service provision and guidance on the implications of setting up a dosimetry service. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:245038. [PMID: 33142274 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abc707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite a growth in molecular radiotherapy treatment (MRT) and an increase in interest, centres still rarely perform MRT dosimetry. The aims of this report were to assess the main reasons why centres are not performing MRT dosimetry and provide advice on the resources required to set-up such a service. A survey based in the United Kingdom was developed to establish how many centres provide an MRT dosimetry service and the main reasons why it is not commonly performed. Twenty-eight per cent of the centres who responded to the survey performed some form of dosimetry, with 88% of those centres performing internal dosimetry. The survey showed that a 'lack of clinical evidence', a 'lack of guidelines' and 'not current UK practice' were the largest obstacles to setting up an MRT dosimetry service. More practical considerations, such as 'lack of software' and 'lack of staff training/expertise', were considered to be of lower significance by the respondents. Following on from the survey, this report gives an overview of the current guidelines, and the evidence available demonstrating the benefits of performing MRT dosimetry. The resources required to perform such techniques are detailed with reference to guidelines, training resources and currently available software. It is hoped that the information presented in this report will allow MRT dosimetry to be performed more frequently and in more centres, both in routine clinical practice and in multicentre trials. Such trials are required to harmonise dosimetry techniques between centres, build on the current evidence base, and provide the data necessary to establish the dose-response relationship for MRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Craig
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Sutton, United Kingdom. The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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Lassmann M, Eberlein U, Tran-Gia J. Multicentre Trials on Standardised Quantitative Imaging and Dosimetry for Radionuclide Therapies. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 33:125-130. [PMID: 33277151 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarise the efforts undertaken so far to compare or standardise quantitative imaging with gamma cameras across centres for multicentre trials in radionuclide therapies. Overall, 10 studies were identified, five of which were set up as a multicentre effort for standardising and comparing methods for quantitative imaging. One study used positron emission tomography imaging with 124I. In the remaining studies, measurements were carried out with planar imaging, single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) or a combination of both. Three studies used radioactive calibration sources that were traceable to national standards. Most of the studies were set up in the framework of multicentre clinical trials in an effort to obtain comparable quantification across sites. The use of state-of-the-art SPECT/CT systems and reconstructions has emerged as the method of choice for dosimetry in clinical trials for radionuclide therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lassmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - U Eberlein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Tran-Gia
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Taprogge J, Leek F, Schurrat T, Tran-Gia J, Vallot D, Bardiès M, Eberlein U, Lassmann M, Schlögl S, Vergara Gil A, Flux GD. Setting up a quantitative SPECT imaging network for a European multi-centre dosimetry study of radioiodine treatment for thyroid cancer as part of the MEDIRAD project. EJNMMI Phys 2020; 7:61. [PMID: 33030702 PMCID: PMC7544799 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-020-00332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Differentiated thyroid cancer has been treated with radioiodine for almost 80 years, although controversial questions regarding radiation-related risks and the optimisation of treatment regimens remain unresolved. Multi-centre clinical studies are required to ensure recruitment of sufficient patients to achieve the statistical significance required to address these issues. Optimisation and standardisation of data acquisition and processing are necessary to ensure quantitative imaging and patient-specific dosimetry. Material and methods A European network of centres able to perform standardised quantitative imaging of radioiodine therapy of thyroid cancer patients was set-up within the EU consortium MEDIRAD. This network will support a concurrent series of clinical studies to determine accurately absorbed doses for thyroid cancer patients treated with radioiodine. Five SPECT(/CT) systems at four European centres were characterised with respect to their system volume sensitivity, recovery coefficients and dead time. Results System volume sensitivities of the Siemens Intevo systems (crystal thickness 3/8″) ranged from 62.1 to 73.5 cps/MBq. For a GE Discovery 670 (crystal thickness 5/8″) a system volume sensitivity of 92.2 cps/MBq was measured. Recovery coefficients measured on three Siemens Intevo systems show good agreement. For volumes larger than 10 ml, the maximum observed difference between recovery coefficients was found to be ± 0.02. Furthermore, dead-time coefficients measured on two Siemens Intevo systems agreed well with previously published dead-time values. Conclusions Results presented here provide additional support for the proposal to use global calibration parameters for cameras of the same make and model. This could potentially facilitate the extension of the imaging network for further dosimetry-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Taprogge
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Downs Road, Sutton, SM2 5PT, UK. .,The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3RP, UK.
| | - Francesca Leek
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Downs Road, Sutton, SM2 5PT, UK.,The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Tino Schurrat
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Tran-Gia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Delphine Vallot
- IUCT Oncopole, Av. Irène Joliot-Curie, 31100, Toulouse, France
| | - Manuel Bardiès
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, UMR 1037, INSERM, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Uta Eberlein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lassmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Schlögl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alex Vergara Gil
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, UMR 1037, INSERM, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Glenn D Flux
- Joint Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHSFT, Downs Road, Sutton, SM2 5PT, UK.,The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3RP, UK
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Huizing DMV, Sinaasappel M, Dekker MC, Stokkel MPM, de Wit – van der Veen BJ. 177
Lutetium SPECT/CT: Evaluation of collimator, photopeak and scatter correction. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2020; 21:272-277. [PMID: 32790140 PMCID: PMC7497918 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The goal of this study was to find the optimal combination of collimator, photopeak and scatter correction for 177Lutetium (177Lu) SPECT/CT imaging. Methods Three experiments [sphere‐to‐background ratios (SBR) 50:1, 10:1, and 2:1] were performed with the NEMA Image Quality phantom filled with 177Lu‐trichloride. SPECT/CT acquisitions were performed with the medium‐energy low‐penetration (MELP) collimator and 99mTc/Krypton collimator. For each acquisition six reconstructions, all with attenuation correction (AC), were made: the 113‐keV photopeak only, the 208‐keV photopeak only and both photopeaks combined, each with or without scatter correction (SC). Image quality was assessed using contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR), quantification accuracy by means of recovery coefficients (RCs) and the spatial resolution using line profiles. Results With SBR 50:1 and 10:1, both collimators met the Rose criterion (CNR > 5), whereas the MELP collimator showed a higher CNR for the 2:1 ratio. The RCmean was higher with the MELP collimator, most explicit after the 208‐keV AC/SC reconstruction for all acquisitions. The line profiles showed a better spatial resolution for the MELP collimator and the 208‐keV AC/SC reconstructions. Conclusion 177Lu SPECT/CT image quality and quantification was most optimal when acquired with the MELP collimator and reconstructed using the 208‐keV photopeak, with AC and SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne M. V. Huizing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Sinaasappel
- Department of Physics Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marien C. Dekker
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marcel P. M. Stokkel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
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Lassmann M, Eberlein U. The Relevance of Dosimetry in Precision Medicine. J Nucl Med 2018; 59:1494-1499. [PMID: 30002109 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.206649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent technologic developments in state-of-the-art equipment and tools for dosimetry in radionuclide therapies. This includes, but is not restricted to, calibration methods for imaging systems. In addition, a summary of new developments that consider the influence of small-scale dosimetry and of biologic effects on radionuclide therapies is given. Finally, the current limitations of patient-specific dosimetry such as bone-marrow dosimetry or dosimetry of α-emitters are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lassmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uta Eberlein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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