Development of Multi-Pixel X-Ray Source Using Graphene
Abstract
Early detection and precise treatment delivery are the key to survive lung cancers. Computed tomography (CT) is the most important imaging modality in diagnosis of lung cancers and providing image guidance during radiation treatments. Multi-pixel x-ray sources allow the development of novel CT imaging systems that can lead to early diagnosis and improve the precision of radiation treatments. However, the development of multi-pixel CT imaging system and clinical implementation are hampered by lack of reliable and high quality multi-pixel x-ray sources. In this pilot study, we will test the feasibility of using a new material as the key switching component of multi-pixel x-ray source. The results of this research will simplify the design and enhance the performance of multi-pixel x-ray sources, which can be used to develop novel multi-pixel CT systems for lung cancer diagnosis and treatments. The proposed research can result in the development of multi-pixel x-ray sources that enables the development of a new volumetric CT scanners, which can be used for early detection of lung cancers and provide image guidance in radiation and intervention procedures. Thus, it addresses the following three Areas of Emphasis: (1) Identify or develop noninvasive or minimally invasive tools to improve the detection of the initial stages of lung cancer; (2) identify, develop, and/or build upon already existing tools for screening or early detection of lung cancer; and (3) identify innovative strategies for prevention and treatment of early and/or localized lung cancer. The proposed research will potentially benefit any lung cancer patient -- if detected earlier, their chance of survival will be greatly improved. For patients undergoing radiation treatment, the superior image quality will improve the precision of treatment delivery and reduce the chance of treatment failure. For surgery patients, the new imaging system will provide image guidance during surgery procedure to ensure the tumors are removed. The new imaging system with improved performance will support the development and clinical implementation of new image guided radiotherapy and intervention procedures. Military Service members, Veterans and their families have the same lung cancer occurrence rate as other populations. Also, military Service members may perform their service at remote areas without major hospitals. The outcome of this research will support the development of compact CT systems that can easily be transported to war field hospitals or other remote areas, so that those military Service members can receive improved diagnosis and treatments. We expect to develop clinical prototype imaging system in 2-3 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1710190
Entities
People
- Tiezhi Zhang
Organizations
- United States Army
- Washington University in St. Louis