Dynamic variable background subtraction: a simple means of displaying radiolabeled monoclonal antibody scintigrams

Subtraction of a nonspecific radionuclide is frequently used to enhance visualization of tumors imaged by radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. Determining the optimal amount of the nonspecific radionuclide image to subtract can be difficult. We have developed a computer program that generates a closed-loop cinematic display in which a continuously varying amount of the nonspecific radionuclide image is subtracted from the specific antibody image. Through examination of this dynamic display, a broad range of background-subtracted images can be viewed expeditiously in an effort to select the optimal level of background subtraction. This method may be useful in routinely displaying such background-subtracted studies.