Evolution of Quantitative Imaging for Effective Patient-Specific Diagnosis
We have been working towards the development and evaluation of a new technique called photon-counting multi-spectral x-ray imaging (x-CSI), which is a novel, 3D, low-dose, high-resolution, non-invasive, specific and quantitative imaging technique. With the novel technology based on cutting-edge CdZnTe semiconductor imaging detectors, which we developed and optimised, tissues and tumours can be identified by their spectral signatures leading to improved sensitivity and clinical specificity of the targeted x-ray imaging task. Our innovative x-CSI detection system has the potential to empower clinicians to make more reliable and in-depth early cancer diagnosis and more insightful monitoring of therapy response. Once in clinical use, ultimately, x-CSI will deliver added clinical value through tissue-specific quantitative information, tumour characterisation, soft-tissue differentiation and significant dose reduction. Such capabilities could introduce a totally new way of imaging in oncology, and therefore, revolutionise x-ray medical diagnostics.