MIR / Research / Research Centers / Precision Radiotheranostics Translation Center / Labs / Laforest Lab / Projects

Laforest Lab

Projects

Harmonization of PET/MR for Oncology Clinical Trials

Goal

One of the central limitations of PET/MRI is the lack of accurate means of attenuation correction, which leads to inaccurate and inconsistent quantification of radiotracer uptake. The inconsistency of PET quantification prevents the widespread adoption of PET/MRI in clinical trials, where a precise and reproducible measurement of radiotracer uptake is required.

We proposed to harmonize the reconstruction parameters on the two available brand PET/MRI scanners and evaluate the reproducibility of the quantitative accuracy across sites. Finally we proposed a practical methodology for PET/MR scanner accreditation for participation in oncological clinical trials.

  • NIH grant 5R01CA212148
  • PMID 34739621
  • PMID 34301784

Dual-Nuclide Parathyroid Imaging Using CZT Camera

Goal

Nuclear medicine imaging with a novel CZT camera offers the advantage of higher energy resolution, which allows for better scatter correction and better delineation of nuclides with different gamma energy. This project aims at validating a novel CZT camera for parathyroid imaging using simultaneous administration of 99mTc-sestamibi and I-123.

We are currently evaluating the quantitative accuracy for separation of these two nuclides, evaluating a technique to minimize cross-talk and developing a method to mitigate the tailing effects.

Study funded in part by General Electric.

RadioNuclide Dosimetry of Internal Emitters

Goal

Nuclear medicine imaging using PET-emitting nuclides or SPECT imaging agents can be used to extract pharmacokinetics information needed for radiation dosimetry calculations.

The Laforest Lab focus on quantitative imaging with SPECT and PET with optimized data collection to allow for accurate radiation dose calculations. More recent developments by the lab revolve around quantitative SPECT imaging with radiotherapeutic nuclides such as Lu-177 or Y-90. The current project has implications for the development of dosimetric evaluation in clinical radionuclide therapy.

Our People

The lab’s multidisciplinary team, led by Richard Laforest, PhD, focuses on the development of novel imaging instruments and methods to improve the study of biology of diseases and imaging science.

Learn More