Tech Guide - Chapter 3: Planar Camera and SPECT system QC

Brief summary of contents
This webinar is about quality control for Anger-type scintillation gamma camera, which is still the key nuclear medicine imaging device used for planar, whole-body and tomographic [SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) and SPECT/CT] radionuclide biomedical imaging. The webinar starts with the definitions of and the rationale for the acceptance and quality control testing, continues with the frequency of quality control tests and illustrated basics of a number (start-up, energy window settings, background, uniformity and sensitivity, spatial resolution and linearity, camera head angulations, total SPECT performance, etc.) out of about twenty different recommended quality control tests for gamma cameras, and ends with the note on and illustration of some imaging artefacts, and the webinar summary points. No detailed descriptions of technical standards and performance measurements related to any particular quality control test were given, but they can be found in the suggested readings.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (10 questions)
Length: 00:14:16 min

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Tech Guide - Chapter 4: PET system Quality Control

Brief summary of contents
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology started to be a research tool since early 1970s. Since that moment, this imaging technique has been developed into one of the most medical imaging technique. PET technology has two main achievements that made this technology to gain a tremendous development related to its applicability in different pathologies: the possibility to be combined with structural imaging techniques (e.g. computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and the possibility to obtain quantitative information. The complexity of this imaging method and the key role that it plays in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies requests strict quality control and quality assurance procedures. The procedures related to quality control and quality assurance involves different specialists, being necessary a multidisciplinary approach that involves installation specialists and engineers, radiopharmacists, physicists, physicians and technologists. The process of quality control starts from the moment of installation when the acceptance tests are performed in order to verify if the equipment meets the required standards and reference values are obtained for different parameters. These parameters are verified during the quality control process along the period of warranty but also along the period of use. In the case of some corrective actions or service are needed, post-service/corrective action quality control tests are performed in order to ensure that the equipment respects the parameters and works properly. A satisfactory quality control program is the main premise for an accurate PET/CT technique and for a correct diagnostic in order to establish an appropriate therapeutic strategy for our patients.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (5 questions)
Length: 00:13:23 min

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Tech Guide - Chapter 6: Optimisation of SPECT and SPECT/CT – acquisition and reconstruction

Brief summary of contents
This webinar will provide an overview of SPECT/CT image acquisition and reconstruction. Each component of the chain of acquisition influencing the quality of the reconstructed images are presented. A brief of overview on reconstruction algorithms is also provided with a specific focus on the choice of number of iterations and subsets.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (5 questions)
Length: 00:20:25 min

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Tech Guide - Chapter 7: Optimisation of PET-CT acquisition and reconstruction

Brief summary of contents
This webinar will provide an overview of PET-CT image acquisition and reconstruction.  The types of acquisition methods will be discussed along with the various acquisition parameters. Image reconstruction including reconstruction algorithms, filter application, scatter correction, and time-of-flight will be introduced.  Common pitfalls and artifacts will be described.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (10 questions)
Length: 00:16:01 min

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Tech Guide - Chapter 5: Prostate cancer PET-CT imaging beyond F-18 tracers

Brief summary of contents

In this webinar you will have an overview of the main non-F tracers used in prostate cancer PET-CT Imaging, namely 11C-labelled radiopharmaceuticals (choline and acetate) and 68Ga-labelled tracers (PSMA). We will go through the main features of synthesis and production, clinical indications, patient preparation and scanning protocols. Diagnostic images from real clinical cases will complement the written information and give explanation of the possible clinical findings. Principles of quantification and integration of different imaging techniques are also introduced.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (6 questions)

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Tech Guide - Chapter 8: Prostate cancer radionuclide therapy based on alpha-emitters  

Brief summary of contents
This track provides a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of the current state of radionuclide therapy based on alpha emitters for prostate cancer. After a short introduction about the main epidemiological and clinical features of skeletal metastases from prostate cancer, the properties of alpha-particles and the “historical” radiopharmaceuticals used in this field; the core of this lecture focuses on radionuclide therapy based on radium-223. The radium-223 therapy will be discussed in terms of physical, biological and clinical properties showing some specially selected interactive cases that will help to understand better the theoretical issues. The last part of the track include a short view of new possible radiopharmaceuticals with therapeutic action in prostate cancer.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (7 questions)

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Tech Guide - Chapter 9: The management of a prostate cancer patient

Brief summary of contents
The aim of the chapter is to introduce the nuclear medicine practitioner to the trajectory that the patient follows from diagnosis to treatment. There are many stages involved, and all should be tailored to the specific patient. The role of the technologist play an important part in the understanding of the patient, when he attends a nuclear medicine examination.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (5 questions)

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Tech Guide - Chapter 10: Future perspectives and preclinical studies in prostate cancer

Brief summary of contents

The present webinars has the aims to describe how preclinical studies about prostate cancer are conducted and to provide general knowledge of animal models, to identify the relevance of animal care in the context of preclinical imaging and therapy studies, and to get technologists acquainted with the extended competences needed as a member of a pre-clinical team. Moreover, the impact of nuclear medicine techniques in pre-clinical trials and the problem of the translation from animals to men will be discussed. Finally, some future challenges and opportunities for prostate cancer management will be included.

Content: Presentation and MCQ test (6 questions)

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