Determination of the Terbium-152 half-life from mass-separated samples from CERN-ISOLDE and assessment of the radionuclide purity

Terbium-152 is one of four terbium radioisotopes that together form a potential theranostic toolbox for the personalised treatment of tumours. As 152 Tb decay by positron emission it can be utilised for diagnostics by positron emission tomography. For use in radiopharmaceuticals and for activity measurements by an activity calibrator a high radionuclide purity of the material and an accurate and precise knowledge of the half-life is required. Mass-separation and radiochemical purification provide a production route of high purity 152Tb. In the current work, two mass-separated samples from the CERN-ISOLDE facility have been assayed at the National Physical Laboratory to investigate the radionuclide purity. These samples have been used to perform four measurements of the half-life by three independent techniques: high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometry, ionisation chamber measurements and liquid scintillation counting. From the four measurement campaigns a half-life of 17.8784(95) h has been determined. The reported half-life shows a significant difference to the currently evaluated half-life (ζ-score = 3.77), with a relative difference of 2.2 % and an order of magnitude improvement in the precision. This work also shows that under controlled conditions the combination of mass-separation and radiochemical separation can provide high-purity 152Tb.

On the use of solid 133Ba sources as surrogate for liquid 131I in SPECT/CT calibration: a European multi-centre evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Commissioning, calibration, and quality control procedures for nuclear medicine imaging systems are typically performed using hollow containers filled with radionuclide solutions. This leads to multiple sources of uncertainty, many of which can be overcome by using traceable, sealed, long-lived surrogate sources containing a radionuclide of comparable energies and emission probabilities. This study presents the results of a quantitative SPECT/CT imaging comparison exercise performed within the MRTDosimetry consortium to assess the feasibility of using 133Ba as a surrogate for 131I imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two sets of four traceable 133Ba sources were produced at two National Metrology Institutes and encapsulated in 3D-printed cylinders (volume range 1.68-107.4 mL). Corresponding hollow cylinders to be filled with liquid 131I and a mounting baseplate for repeatable positioning within a Jaszczak phantom were also produced. A quantitative SPECT/CT imaging comparison exercise was conducted between seven members of the consortium (eight SPECT/CT systems from two major vendors) based on a standardised protocol. Each site had to perform three measurements with the two sets of 133Ba sources and liquid 131I.

RESULTS

As anticipated, the 131I pseudo-image calibration factors (cps/MBq) were higher than those for 133Ba for all reconstructions and systems. A site-specific cross-calibration reduced the performance differences between both radionuclides with respect to a cross-calibration based on the ratio of emission probabilities from a median of 12-1.5%. The site-specific cross-calibration method also showed agreement between 133Ba and 131I for all cylinder volumes, which highlights the potential use of 133Ba sources to calculate recovery coefficients for partial volume correction.

CONCLUSION

This comparison exercise demonstrated that traceable solid 133Ba sources can be used as surrogate for liquid 131I imaging. The use of solid surrogate sources could solve the radiation protection problem inherent in the preparation of phantoms with 131I liquid activity solutions as well as reduce the measurement uncertainties in the activity. This is particularly relevant for stability measurements, which have to be carried out at regular intervals.

Brain PET and SPECT imaging and quantification: a survey of the current status in the UK

OBJECTIVES

With disease-modifying therapies in development for neurological disorders, quantitative brain imaging techniques become increasingly relevant for objective early diagnosis and assessment of response to treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Brain SPECT and PET scans in the UK and explore drivers and barriers to using quantitative analysis through an online survey.

METHODS

A web-based survey with 27 questions was used to capture a snapshot of brain imaging in the UK. The survey included multiple-choice questions assessing the availability and use of quantification for DaTscan, Perfusion SPECT, FDG PET and Amyloid PET. The survey results were reviewed and interpreted by a panel of imaging experts.

RESULTS

Forty-six unique responses were collected and analysed, with 84% of responses from brain imaging sites. Within these sites, 88% perform DaTscan, 50% Perfusion SPECT, 48% FDG PET, and 33% Amyloid PET, while a few sites use other PET tracers. Quantitative Brain analysis is used in 86% of sites performing DaTscans, 40% for Perfusion SPECT, 63% for FDG PET and 42% for Amyloid PET. Commercial tools are used more frequently than in-house software.

CONCLUSION

The survey showed variations across the UK, with high availability of DaTscan imaging and quantification and lower availability of other SPECT and PET scans. The main drivers for quantification were improved reporting confidence and diagnostic accuracy, while the main barriers were a perception of a need for an appropriate database of healthy controls and a lack of training, time, and software availability.

Triple modality image reconstruction of PET data using SPECT, PET, CT information increases lesion uptake in images of patients treated with radioembolization with [Formula: see text] micro-spheres

PURPOSE

Nuclear medicine imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT), single photon emission CT (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are employed in the field of theranostics to estimate and plan the dose delivered to tumors and the surrounding tissues and to monitor the effect of the therapy. However, therapeutic radionuclides often provide poor images, which translate to inaccurate treatment planning and inadequate monitoring images. Multimodality information can be exploited in the reconstruction to enhance image quality. Triple modality PET/SPECT/CT scanners are particularly useful in this context due to the easier registration process between images. In this study, we propose to include PET, SPECT and CT information in the reconstruction of PET data. The method is applied to Yttrium-90 ([Formula: see text]Y) data.

METHODS

Data from a NEMA phantom filled with [Formula: see text]Y were used for validation. PET, SPECT and CT data from 10 patients treated with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) were used. Different combinations of prior images using the Hybrid kernelized expectation maximization were investigated in terms of VOI activity and noise suppression.

RESULTS

Our results show that triple modality PET reconstruction provides significantly higher uptake when compared to the method used as standard in the hospital and OSEM. In particular, using CT-guided SPECT images, as guiding information in the PET reconstruction significantly increases uptake quantification on tumoral lesions.

CONCLUSION

This work proposes the first triple modality reconstruction method and demonstrates up to 69% lesion uptake increase over standard methods with SIRT [Formula: see text]Y patient data. Promising results are expected for other radionuclide combination used in theranostic applications using PET and SPECT.

Hybrid kernelised expectation maximisation for Bremsstrahlung SPECT reconstruction in SIRT with 90Y micro-spheres

Background

Selective internal radiation therapy with Yttrium-90 microspheres is an effective therapy for liver cancer and liver metastases. Yttrium-90 is mainly a high-energy beta particle emitter. These beta particles emit Bremsstrahlung radiation during their interaction with tissue making post-therapy imaging of the radioactivity distribution feasible. Nevertheless, image quality and quantification is difficult due to the continuous energy spectrum which makes resolution modelling, attenuation and scatter estimation challenging and therefore the dosimetry quantification is inaccurate. As a consequence a reconstruction algorithm able to improve resolution could be beneficial.

Methods

In this study, the hybrid kernelised expectation maximisation (HKEM) is used to improve resolution and contrast and reduce noise, in addition a modified HKEM called frozen HKEM (FHKEM) is investigated to further reduce noise. The iterative part of the FHKEM kernel was frozen at the 72nd sub-iteration. When using ordered subsets algorithms the data is divided in smaller subsets and the smallest algorithm iterative step is called sub-iteration. A NEMA phantom with spherical inserts was used for the optimisation and validation of the algorithm, and data from 5 patients treated with Selective internal radiation therapy were used as proof of clinical relevance of the method.

Results

The results suggest a maximum improvement of 56% for region of interest mean recovery coefficient at fixed coefficient of variation and better identification of the hot volumes in the NEMA phantom. Similar improvements were achieved with patient data, showing 47% mean value improvement over the gold standard used in hospitals.

Conclusions

Such quantitative improvements could facilitate improved dosimetry calculations with SPECT when treating patients with Selective internal radiation therapy, as well as provide a more visible position of the cancerous lesions in the liver.

A multicentre and multi-national evaluation of the accuracy of quantitative Lu-177 SPECT/CT imaging performed within the MRTDosimetry project

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.

Absolute standardisation and determination of the half-life and gamma emission intensities of 89Zr

An absolute standardisation of ⁸⁹Zr was performed alongside determination of gamma emission intensities and half-life. The collected data were evaluated alongside complementary works from previous publications and new recommended nuclear data values are presented including a new evaluated T_1/2 = 78.361(25) h and new absolute intensities for gamma transitions resulting from its decay to ⁸⁹Y. Dial settings for commercially available radionuclide calibrators are also presented and show a relative difference of approximately 3% compared to previously published values.

The potential radio-immunotherapeutic α-emitter 227Th - part I: Standardisation via primary liquid scintillation techniques and decay progeny ingrowth measurements

Thorium-227 is a potential therapeutic radionuclide for applications in targeted α-radioimmunotherapy for the treatment of various types of cancer. To provide nuclear medicine departments involved in Phase I clinical trials traceability to the SI unit of radioactivity (Bq), a standardisation of a radiochemically pure ²²⁷Th aqueous solution has been performed at the National Physical Laboratory. This was achieved via two primary liquid scintillation (LS) techniques -4π(LS)-γ digital coincidence counting (DCC) and 4π LS counting. These absolute techniques were supported by the indirect determination of the ²²⁷Th activity via the measurement of the ingrowth and decay rate of the decay progeny by both ionisations chambers and high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. The results of the primary techniques were found to be consistent, both with each other (zeta score = 1.1) and to the decay progeny ingrowth measurements. An activity per unit mass of 20.726 (51) kBq g^-1 was determined for the solution. A procedure has been developed that provided an effective separation of the ²²⁷Th from its decay progeny, which was shown by the effective time zero of the ²²⁷Th-²²³Ra nuclear chronometer measured by HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry.

123I intercomparison exercises: Assessment of measurement capabilities in UK hospitals

Three comparison exercises have been performed in 1996, 1999 and 2015 with ¹²³I to assess the UK hospitals measurement capabilities using radionuclide calibrators for this particular radionuclide. The exercise performed in 1996 showed that only 62% of the participants could measure the solution to within 10% of the standardised value and only 28% could measure within 5% of the certificated value. The intercomparison exercise performed in 1999 showed no improvement in the measurement capability, with only 66% of the participants measuring to within 10% of the standardised value. The exercise performed in 2015 showed great improvement in the hospitals measurement capability, 94% of participants reported results within 10% of the certificated activity and 85% of the participants reported results within the 5% of the reported activity. The intercomparison exercises are an important way to identify possible measurement problems within the medical community. Additionally, the intercomparison exercises provide hospitals with traceability to national primary standards and improve measurement capability within the Nuclear Medicine community.

Quantitative imaging, dosimetry and metrology; Where do National Metrology Institutes fit in?

In External Beam Radiotherapy, National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) play a critical role in the delivery of accurate absorbed doses to patients undergoing treatment. In contrast for nuclear medicine the role of the NMI is less clear and although significant work has been done in order to establish links for activity measurement, the calculation of administered absorbed doses is not traceable in the same manner as EBRT. Over recent decades the use of novel radiolabelled pharmaceuticals has increased dramatically. The limitation of secondary complications due to radiation damage to non-target tissue has historically been achieved by the use of activity escalation studies during clinical trials and this in turn has led to a chronic under dosing of the majority of patients. This paper looks to address the difficulties in combining clinical everyday practice with the grand challenges laid out by national metrology institutes to improve measurement capability in all walks of life. In the life sciences it can often be difficult to find the correct balance between pure research and practical solutions to measurement problems, and this paper is a discussion regarding these difficulties and how some NMIs have chosen to tackle these issues. The necessity of establishing strong links to underlying standards in the field of quantitative nuclear medicine imaging is highlighted. The difficulties and successes of current methods for providing traceability in nuclear medicine are discussed.

Measurement of the (109)Cd half-life

A new determination of the (109)Cd half-life was made by a time series of measurements of an aqueous sample using a re-entrant type ionisation chamber. The measurement campaign covered a period of 6 years or approximately 4.7 half-lives of (109)Cd. The resulting value of 462.1 (3) days is in good agreement with the recently published values of 462.29 (30) days and 462.3 (8) days. This new half-life determination will allow evaluators to specify a recommended value of the (109)Cd half-life making it more accurate and precise.

Standardisation of (90)Y and determination of calibration factors for (90)Y microspheres (resin) for the NPL secondary ionisation chamber and a Capintec CRC-25R

The use of (90)Y resin microspheres (SIR-Spheres® microspheres) in Nuclear Medicine has dramatically increased in recent years due to its favourable outcome in the treatment of liver cancer and liver metastases (Rajekar et al., 2011). The measurement of administered activity before and residual activity after treatment in radionuclide calibrators is required to determine total activity delivered to the patient. In comparison with External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) where administered doses are often know to within ±5%, the actual administered activity in nuclear medicine procedures may only be known to within ±20% and subsequent dose calculations can result in even larger uncertainties (Fenwick et al., 2009). It is a well-recognised issue that ion chambers are instruments that are sensitive to the measurement geometry and matrix of a source, in particular for pure beta or low energy (<100keV) x-ray emitters (Gadd et al., 2006). This paper presents new calibration factors for NPL secondary standard ionisation chamber system (Vinten 671) and a Capintec CRC-25R radionuclide calibrator along with a discussion of the measurement problems associated with this radionuclide and matrix. Calibration of the NPL secondary standard system for this measurement matrix will enable NPL to provide standards for the Nuclear Medicine community and consequently increase the measurement capability.

Applying best interests to persistent vegetative state--a principled distortion?

"Best interests" is widely accepted as the appropriate foundation principle for medico-legal decisions concerning treatment withdrawal from patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS). Its application appears to progress logically from earlier use regarding legally incompetent patients. This author argues, however, that such confidence in the relevance of the principle of best interests to PVS is misplaced, and that current construction in this context is questionable on four specific grounds. Furthermore, it is argued that the resulting legal inconsistency is distorting both the principle itself and, more particularly, individual patient interests.