Development of a mini gamma camera for prostate imaging

We have tested a concept of a mini gamma camera based on monolithic arrays of MPPCs from Hamamatsu. CsI(Tl), and Cs(Na) arrays and a thin scintillation GSO plate were tested with 122 keV gammas from ⁵⁷Co sources. The planned application requires placement of this mini-camera in an endorectal probe and thus needs to be very compact and possess high spatial resolution. The high sensitivity and high granularity collimator and gamma shield made out composite material (tungsten powder with epoxy) completes the detector package. We are developing the dual modality (hybrid) imaging prostate probe combining in one compact device a high resolution and high efficiency single gamma imager with an Ultrasound (US) sensor. The US component will typically provide not only the usual structural 3D information, as the standard TransRectal Ultrasound (TRUS) probe, but also the tissue differentiating information through proper US signal analysis, such as elastography. The mini gamma probe will provide the direct metabolic information related to the biological state of the prostate and specifically about the presence of any cancerous structures exhibiting increased metabolic activity, when used with the single gamma labeled dedicated imaging agents for prostate cancer. In addition to cancer diagnosis, the dual-modality Gamma/US prostate probe can be used in biopsy and in surgical guidance.