Tracer-Uptake Correction System for PET Measurement Timing Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracer-uptake measurements in cancer therapy monitoring fail to account for patient-specific variations due to delays between tracer injection and measurement, leading to inaccurate data comparison and interpretation of treatment response.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that corrects tracer-uptake measurements by receiving input data, determining tracer-impact data, selecting reference data, comparing it with measured data, and applying corrections to align measurements with a standard time frame, allowing for reliable comparison of tracer uptake values across different measurement times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tracer uptake measurements are performed at different times post-injection, then logistical flexibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in uptake phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the measured tracer uptake values using mathematical models that account for the time delay between injection and measurement. The system adjusts the uptake values based on the specific time point of measurement and the patient's individual uptake kinetics, thereby correcting the measurements to a common reference time and eliminating the precision loss caused by timing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction model that acts as a mediator between the raw measurements taken at different times and the comparable corrected values. This model includes patient-specific kinetic parameters and mathematical transformation functions that translate measurements from any time point to a standardized reference time, enabling accurate comparisons without requiring synchronized measurement timing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential PET studies are performed to monitor therapy response, then treatment assessment capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to treatment-induced changes in uptake mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a correction model that adapts to changes in tracer uptake kinetics over time and in response to treatment. The system dynamically adjusts the correction parameters based on patient-specific measurements taken at different time points during therapy, allowing the model to account for treatment-induced changes in uptake mechanisms while maintaining reliable comparability across sequential studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the correction model is continuously refined using actual patient measurements from sequential studies. The system uses the measured uptake values and their temporal patterns to update and personalize the kinetic parameters, creating a feedback loop that improves the accuracy and reliability of treatment response assessment over the course of therapy.
3Loss of time
If tracer uptake measurements are taken during the uptake phase before peak, then acquisition time is reduced, but measurement precision worsens due to significant slope in uptake curve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing mathematical correction of the tracer uptake measurements to account for the time delay between injection and measurement. Instead of waiting for peak uptake, the system uses the measured values from earlier time points and applies predictive correction based on patient-specific kinetic models to estimate what the uptake would be at a standardized reference time, thereby eliminating the need to wait for peak while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method and a correction system for correcting tracer-uptake measurements for patient specific variations in the tracer-uptake. Input data are received about the patient and subsequently it is determining whether the received input data include tracer-impact data that impact the tracer-uptake measurements for the patient. In case the tracer-impact data are included in the input data a comparing is performed where the tracer-impact data are compared with pre-stored reference data that have associated thereto a correction indicator indicating an amount of deviation of the tracer-uptake measurement due to the tracer-uptake dependent data. The correction indicator of the pre-stored reference data that match with the tracer-impact data is then used to correct the tracer-uptake measurements for the patient.