Abstract: A method for detecting antigen associated with adenocarcinoma commences by forming a 124I conjugate of a preferential locator, such as an antibody, and introducing the conjugate into a patient suspected of having adenocarcinoma. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of the patient reveals sites of accumulated conjugate, such sites including lymph nodes. The course of treatment of the patient then is determined by the amount of revealed lymph nodes.

Abstract: A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above 88 KeV (for Pb). The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A characteristic x-ray radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) is disposed either between or behind the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the characteristic x-ray emission wafer.

Abstract: A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above about 80 KeV. The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A K alpha radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) wafer is disposed between the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the Pb wafer. Radiation emitted from the radionuclide source strikes the Pb wafer causing the Pb wafer to emit K alpha radiation, which strikes the radiation detector for generating signals for communication the said control assembly.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing (e.g., nanocrystal) tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: A method for detecting antigen associated with adenocarcinoma commences by forming a 124I conjugate of a preferential locator, such as an antibody, and introducing the conjugate into a patient suspected of having adenocarcinoma. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of the patient reveals sites of accumulated conjugate, such sites including lymph nodes. The course of treatment of the patient then is determined by the amount of revealed lymph nodes.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing nanocrystal tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: A method for detecting gold or other nanoparticles conjugated to preferential locators commences by contacting tissue suspected of being neoplastic with gold nanoparticle/preferential locator conjugates for a time adequate for the conjugates to bind with the tissue. A beam of gamma photons (such as from, 99mTc) is directed at the conjugate bound tissue to remove electrons from the K-shell or L-shell, for example, of the gold nanoparticles. The removed electrons can be detected for locating neoplastic tissue or X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell can be detected, or by detecting resulting X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell, such as X-ray fluorescence arising from K-alpha emission corresponding to an electron transitioning from the L shell to the K shell. Additional X-ray fluorescing detecting molecules include Ag, I, Fe, Tc, Zn, Mn, Cr (trivalent).

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing (e.g., nanocrystal) tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing nanocrystal tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.