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X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of lung imaging due to its higher spatial resolution, convenience, availability and faster acquisition time compared to other imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging. However, it only provides morphological characterization, which is not fully suitable for lung diseases that are a complex combination of respiratory, vascular and inflammatory dysfunctions. Their diagnosis requires both morphological and functional analysis of ventilation, perfusion and molecular biomarkers. As so, standard of care relies on a multimodal diagnostic workup involving scintigraphy, positron emission tomography and tissue biopsy. This has three main drawbacks: it's either not precise enough or is invasive, and in any case it's time-consuming while worsening the patient's prognosis.
The spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) not only capitalizes on all the advantages of morphological CT imaging, but also offers a cutting-edge imaging method known as K-edge color imaging. This method allows the specific and quantitative identification of one or more atoms concomitantly within a tissue, enabling the simultaneous functional imaging of independent or interactive processes. However, Color K-edge imaging is still limited by its low sensitivity and the scarcity of tracers for potential use in humans, and has therefore not yet been put into practice.
By combining medical imaging, respirology, chemistry and physics, KOLOR SPCCT Imaging will bridge morphological and functional imaging in one single breath-hold. To achieve this objective, the project proposes to:
Develop Color K-Edge Imaging: develop a high-sensitive dedicated imaging tool
Diagnose lung diseases: provide a “one-breath hold” ventilation and perfusion imaging in animal models
Predict lung diseases: provide a “one-breath-hold” monitoring of the molecular inflammatory burden in animal models
KOLOR SPCCT Imaging will provide unprecedented knowledge on ventilation, perfusion, molecular inflammatory response and their interaction. It will develop K-edge Color imaging to provide specific and quantitative high-resolution imaging with the use of non-specific and specific tracers on key pulmonary applications in animal models: pulmonary embolism, cancer and fibrosis. It will bring a paradigm shift for diagnosis and prognosis of lung diseases, allowing an earlier and more precise diagnosis of lung disease for a higher chance of survival of the patients.