Hybrid Fluorescence Molecular Tomography and X-ray Computed Tomography system and method

The FMT-XCT project aims to combine X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) into a hybrid, quantitative imaging system. The project builds on state-of-the art knowledge that has only recently become available in Europe, and which is brought to the project by the partners herein. In return, it should deliver the first such hybrid system worldwide. The system will operate by 1) co-registering XCT images with highly performing FMT images for merging anatomical, functional and molecular contrast and by 2) combining XCT information into the FMT inversion to provide a system with superior imaging performance. XCT-based correction can improve FMT performance in a more radical way than corresponding "correction methods" used for improving positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. In this way FMT-XCT can reach the imaging accuracy of radio-nuclei-based tomography hybrid systems. By using fluorescence, FMT-XCT can then enable high flexibility in targeting physiology and molecular function, especially in multi-spectral mode, and high dissemination potential because virtually any biomedical laboratory has access to fluorescence reporting, compared to radio-nuclei based research that requires access to radiochesmitry and cyclotron facilities. FMT-XCT aims in advancing small animal imaging and drug discovery with a view towards the clinical application on non-invasive breast cancer imaging. For this reason, focus is given to imaging breast cancer and response to therapy. Overall the technology is ideally suited for commercial translation and has the potential to become the method of choice for in-vivo imaging in most biomedical laboratories and in select clinical applications.

webpage: http://www.fmt-xct.eu/
This project starting in March 08 is funded under the 7th Framework program by the European Commission.

Partners

1. Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU) & Technische Universität München (TUM), Germany.
2. Commissariat a L´Energy Atomique (CEA), France.
3. Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Greece.
4. University College London (UCL), UK.
5. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon (FIHGM), Spain.
6. Universität Zürich (UZH), Switzerland.
7. CT Imaging GmbH (CT Imaging), Germany.