Abstract: Uptake of hypoxia-sensitive PET tracers is dependent on tissue transport properties, specifically, distribution volume. Variability in tissue transport properties reduces the sensitivity of static PET imaging to hypoxia. When tissue transport (vd) effects are substantial, correlations between the two methods of determining hypoxic fractions are greatly reduced—that is, trapping rates k3 are only modestly correlated with tumour-to-blood ratio (TBR). In other words, the usefulness of dynamic- and static-PET based hypoxia surrogates, trapping rate k3 and TBR, in determining hypoxic fractions is reduced in regions where diffusive equilibrium is achieved slowly. A process is provided for quantifying hypoxic fractions using a novel biomarker for hypoxia, hypoxia-sensitive tracer binding rate kb, based on PET imaging data. The same formalism can be applied to model the kinetics of non-binding CT and MT contrast agents, giving histopathological information about the imaged tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for sensors that may be used to measure radiation from radiation generating device. The sensors may use a collector plate electrode with first and second collection regions having shapes that are inversely related with one another to provide ion chambers with varying sample volumes along a substantial portion of the first and second collection regions which provides virtual spatial sensitivity during use.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for obtaining samples of tissue for analysis by mass spectrometry. A region of interest can be identified in tissue using image data from a first imaging modality that is other than mass spectrometry. At least one tissue sample can be acquired using a tissue sampler from a sampling location related to the region of interest. Mass spectrum data can be generated for the acquired tissue samples using a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, polarimetry may be used on a tissue slice, mass spectrometry may be performed on the same tissue slice and then H&E imaging may be performed on the same tissue slice.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions comprising an iodinated contrast agent and indocyanine green co-encapsulated inside a liposomal carrier, various uses thereof as well as methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for obtaining samples of tissue for analysis by mass spectrometry. A region of interest can be identified in tissue using image data from a first imaging modality that is other than mass spectrometry. At least one tissue sample can be acquired using a tissue sampler from a sampling location related to the region of interest. Mass spectrum data can be generated for the acquired tissue samples using a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments. polarimetry may be used on a tissue slice, mass spectrometry may be performed on the same tissue slice and then H&E imaging may be performed on the same tissue slice.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for sensors that may be used to measure radiation from radiation generating device. The sensors may use a collector plate electrode with first and second collection regions having shapes that are inversely related with one another to provide ion chambers with varying sample volumes along a substantial portion of the first and second collection regions which provides virtual spatial sensitivity during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The apparatus includes at least a first detector and a second detector arranged to detect gamma rays traveling from a target area, the first detector and the second detector being a detector pair. There is at least one collimator for filtering gamma rays reaching the first and second detectors. The collimator defines respective passages filtering gamma rays reaching the respective first and second detectors, the passages being defined to filter for only gamma ray pairs traveling from the target area at a predetermined range of angles with respect to each other, the predetermined range of angles being in the range of 180°-?E, where ?E is less than 1° and greater than 0°.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the at least one radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the at least one radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for visualization of 3D parametric data in a 2D image. The set of 3D parametric data includes a plurality of voxels in 3D space each associated with at least one parametric value, and the set of 2D image data includes information about a known camera position and a known camera orientation at which the 2D image was obtained. A graphical representation is generated of the parametric values of the voxels corresponding to a viewing surface in 3D space. A virtual 2D view of the viewing surface is determined. The 2D image is displayed registered with the graphical representation of the parametric values of the voxels corresponding to the virtual 2D view.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions comprising an iodinated contrast agent and indocyanine green co-encapsulated inside a liposomal carrier, various uses thereof as well as methods for their preparation.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus suitable for radiotherapy. The apparatus includes two sets of coil pairs, each coil pair forming a Maxwell-like coil. The two sets of coil pairs share a common transverse plane, have opposing polarities, and define a common plane of symmetry and an imaging area. The two sets generate a substantially homogenous electromagnetic field in a first transverse direction in the imaging area and peripheral electromagnetic fields in a direction opposite to the first transverse direction in a peripheral area. The apparatus also includes at least one focusing magnet positioned in the peripheral areas to generate a focusing electromagnetic field in a focusing area, in a direction substantially the same as the first transverse direction. At least a portion of the peripheral electromagnetic fields is maintained in a defocusing area between the focusing area and the imaging area.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the at least one radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the at least one radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: Imageable disruptable capsules containing a sensitizing agent or a protecting agent are used to enhance radiation therapy. Said capsules may be imaged by a non-invasive imaging modality, allowing for the determination of the precise timing to disrupt the capsule and release the sensitizing agent or protecting agent using an external energy source. This controlled and timed release of the sensitizing agent or protecting agent provides for enhanced radiation therapy by optimizing the delivery of the sensitizing agent or protecting agent to the target tissues. Systems comprising non-invasive imaging modalities, external energy sources and radiation energy sources are also taught for use with these imageable disruptable capsules.

Abstract: Apparatus for radiation therapy combines a patient table, an MRI and a radiation treatment apparatus mounted in a common treatment room with the MR magnet movable through a radiation shielded door to an imaging position. An initial MR image and an initial X-ray image is used to generate an RT program for the patient to be carried out in a plurality of separate treatment steps. Before carrying out the procedure, a registration step is performed using a phantom by which X-ray images are registered relative to MR images to generate a transformation algorithm required to align the MR images of the part of the patient relative to the X-ray images. Prior to each separate treatment step a current MR image of the part of the patient is obtained and the transformation algorithm data is used from the current MR image is used in guiding the RT treatment step.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using a radiation source and a plurality of detectors to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining a desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can comprise at least one of desired levels of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and may provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: A respiratory marker (40, 140, 240, 340, 440) includes an elongated detectable portion (42, 342, 442) that is operatively coupled with respiration of an imaging subject such that the elongated detectable portion moves with the respiration. The elongated detectable portion is arranged to intersect images acquired by an imaging scanner (10) at different times and at different positions along a scanner axis (20), and is detectable as a marker feature in the images. A marker position finder (52, 54) is configured to determine positions of the marker features in the images.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an area integrated fluence monitoring sensor that can be used to measure a radiation dose. The sensor comprises at least one Gradient Ion Chamber (GIC) comprising an ion chamber having a volume gradient across a length or width thereof, a gas or liquid located within the ion chamber and an electrode to detect ions generated within the gas or liquid when the at least one GIC is subjected to an ionizing radiation beam. Various embodiments are also described herein for an Integral Quality Monitoring system and associated method that can be used to measure and monitor the quality of radiation doses provided by a radiation treatment system.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using a radiation source and a plurality of detectors to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining a desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can comprise at least one of desired levels of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and may provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtain an image of an object from a first radiation source in the presence of a second radiation source. The first radiation source is directed at a first side of the object while the second radiation source is directed at the second side of the object. At least one portion of the radiation is detected at the second side of the object. A first signal is produced based on the at least one portion of detected radiation. The first signal has a first radiation component and a second radiation component. At least one other portion of radiation at the second side of the object is filtered and then detected. A second signal is produced based on the detected filtered radiation. The second signal has at least one of a filtered first radiation component and a filtered second radiation component. Then a third signal is produced from the first and second signals. The third signal is a representation of a first radiation component.