Characterization and optimization of innovative techniques for functional x-ray breast imaging

• Grant number: 23/03535-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: September 04, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Tomal
• Grantee: Alessandra Tomal
• Host Investigator: Ioannis Sechopoulos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Netherlands
• Associated research grant: 18/05982-0 - R&D&I in radiation metrology in the health area, AP.TEM

Abstract

X-ray functional breast imaging techniques using perfusion of an iodinated contrast agent, such as dynamic contrast-enhanced tomosynthesis (DCE-DBT) and dynamic breast CT perfusion (dBCTP) have been discussed in the last decade as promising technologies for revolutionizing breast cancer imaging. These functional modalities can provide additional information about breast lesions, such as morphology and kinetics. DCE-DBT e dBCTP are extremely valuable for cancer detection, avoiding excessive or unnecessary examinations. Indeed, their main improvements are the potential for lesion classification and characterization, for treatment planning, and for breast cancer follow-up during and after treatment, where the role of breast imaging becomes critical. Currently these technologies are under development and in initial discussion of its clinical applicability, and therefore characterization of DCE-DBT and dBCTP imaging systems and the optimization of these technologies prior to their application to clinical patient examinations are critical. The main purpose of this work is to establish and implement a methodology for characterizing and optimizing DCE-DBT and dBCTP imaging systems. An initial study will be performed by MC simulation, by implementing the temporal response of image detectors used in these systems and simulating the image acquisition for a large variability of acquisition parameter. In addition, realistic breast models that represent the large population variability will be used. MC method will be validated against experimental data. Experimental studies using breast phantoms designed for functional imaging will be performed in DCE-DBT and dBCTP systems installed at Radbound University that have great flexibility for varying acquisition parameters. (AU)