A special type of light commonly emitted from nuclear reactors could be a low-cost, reliable method at pinpointing tumors within the body, according to new research published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. The prospective imaging technique utilizes Cerenkov luminescence, which usually glows a light blue, to highlight exactly where tumors are in a patient, and it may be more versatile and usable in developing medical networks compared to standard imaging techniques. Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) uses light produced when charged particles moving faster than the speed of light pass through a medium, in this case human tissue, and radioisotope probes present in the target tissue result in the release of light that can be detected by a camera. Previously, this method of imaging has suffered from low light yield and poor resolution, but using various different probes and an enclosed space around the imaged tissue, the researchers believe they may have produced a viable method. To test their CLI technique, the researchers recruited 96 patients, with existing or suspected tumors, for a trial. These patients would typically undergo PET scans, which generate detailed 3D images of bodily tissues, but require rare isotopes and therefore cost anywhere from $1,000–$2,500 to perform. The researchers looked at whether their CLI method could compare in tumor identification to current scanning techniques, by using traditional methods, such as PET and tomography, and CLI on each patient. Every patient received one of five radioisotopes and their tumors were imaged, with various types of cancer covered. Out of the 96 patients, CLI produced "acceptable" or higher results for 90 percent of patients, successfully pinpointing tumors that would either be picked up by PET scans and, in some cases, using a radioisotope that cannot be clinically imaged currently. The images weren’t quite as clear as PET scans, possibly due to how early in development the technology is, but the time investment into the scans is lower than other methods. The researchers suggest that CLI could offer a cheaper, faster alternative to PET scans that could be used in conjunction with standard-of-care scans, particularly in areas that cannot afford multiple PET systems. A typical PET/CT system costs $1,500,000 according to the authors, while a CLI system would cost just $125,000, meaning a hospital with a low budget could afford 12 CLI systems for every PET/CT system. CLI still remains limited by resolution, but further research could alleviate its limitations and provide an effective alternative that can use an array of radioisotopes at a cost-effective price. Source
