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Physical imaging phantoms for simulation of tumor heterogeneity in PET, CT, and MRI: An overview of existing designs
Author(s) -
Valladares Alejandra,
Beyer Thomas,
Rausch Ivo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.473
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 2473-4209
pISSN - 0094-2405
DOI - 10.1002/mp.14045
Subject(s) - positron emission tomography , magnetic resonance imaging , modality (human–computer interaction) , medical physics , computer science , medical imaging , imaging phantom , preclinical imaging , medicine , radiology , nuclear medicine , artificial intelligence , in vivo , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background In oncology, lesion characterization is essential for tumor grading, treatment planning, and follow‐up of cancer patients. Hybrid imaging systems, such as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)/CT, Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT, or PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play an essential role for the noninvasive quantification of tumor characteristics. However, most of the existing approaches are challenged by intra‐ and intertumor heterogeneity. Novel quantitative imaging parameters that can be derived from textural feature analysis (as part of radiomics) are promising complements for improved characterization of tumor heterogeneity, thus, supporting clinically relevant implementations of personalized medicine concepts. Nevertheless, establishing new quantitative parameters for tumor characterization requires the use of standardized imaging objects to test the reliability of results prior to their implementation in patient studies. Methods In this review, we summarize existing reports on heterogeneous phantoms with a focus on simulating tumor heterogeneity. We discuss the techniques, materials, advantages, and limitations of the existing phantoms for PET, CT, and MR imaging modalities. Conclusions Finally, we outline the future directions and requirements for the design of cross modality imaging phantoms.