Development of an integrated SPECT/MRI system for enhanced stratification of brain tumour patients prior to patient-specific radio-chemo therapy and early assessment of treatment efficacy

The purpose of the project INSERT is to provide clinically relevant stratification and improved personalized radio-chemo therapy for brain tumour patients using a specifically developed multi-modality imaging tool. The system will also be used for early assessment of treatment efficacy. The initial focus will be on patients with glioma but there is future potential to target a range of tumours in the head and neck region. The proposed system is based on the development of a novel SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) system, suitable for insertion in the bore of an existing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system, a cost-effective solution for widespread application. The combined system will allow the simultaneous measurement of anatomical (MRI) and functional (SPECT & MRI) information and the evaluation of their correlation in space and time. The SPECT design will enable acquisition of fast dynamic studies, with possibility for simultaneous measurement using multiple radionuclides (emitting at different energies), a distinct advantage compared to positron emission tomography (PET). This property can allow in-vivo simultaneous visualisation of spectrally resolved molecular and biochemical tumour properties. The stationary SPECT system is based on recently developed innovative gamma-ray detectors made with Silicon Drift Photodetectors, technology that achieves high-spatial resolution and is compatible with MRI thanks to the use of a silicon photodetector instead of photomultiplier tubes. The multi-modality SPECT/MRI imaging here proposed will apply a fully translational, vertical integration of research and development from technology design through preclinical models to clinical validation.