First-in-Human Imaging Results of PHAROS: A Versatile High-Resolution TOF/DOI PET Scanner for Brain, Breast, and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is crucial for medical diagnostics.
• Advancements in PET technology are needed to improve image resolution and diagnostic accuracy.
• Integrating Time-of-Flight (TOF) and Depth-of-Interaction (DOI) can enhance PET system performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the design and performance of the novel PHAROS PET system.
• To evaluate the system's first-in-human imaging capabilities for brain and breast applications.
• To assess the impact of TOF and DOI technologies on image quality and diagnostic potential.

Main Methods:

• The PHAROS system integrates TOF and DOI technologies with a movable detector head and transformable table.
• System performance was evaluated using a Hoffman brain phantom and first-in-human studies (brain and breast imaging).
• Images were reconstructed using 3D OSEM incorporating TOF and DOI information.

Main Results:

• The PHAROS system demonstrated high spatial resolution and image quality in phantom studies, visualizing structures sharply.
• First-in-human brain PET imaging showed well-defined uptake patterns and gray-white matter contrast.
• PET imaging of amyloid, dopamine transporter, and breast lesions revealed clear delineation, high contrast, and detailed characterization.

Conclusions:

• The PHAROS system achieves remarkable spatial resolution and high image quality across diverse applications.
• Its versatile design incorporating DOI and TOF supports a wide range of clinical and research uses.
• The system enables accurate lesion characterization in both neurologic and oncologic settings.