This innovation, enabled by the advanced J-PET scanner, offers a more precise and cost-effective alternative to traditional PET scans, potentially paving the way for "virtual biopsies."
Revolutionary diagnostic technology
The team led by Professor Paweł Moskal from the Jagiellonian University's Institute of Physics developed the J-PET scanner, which adds a new dimension to imaging by measuring the lifespan of positronium atoms. Unlike conventional PET scanners, which only detect where a radiotracer accumulates, the J-PET device measures how long the positronium atoms last before decaying. This additional time-based parameter has proven crucial in distinguishing between healthy and cancerous tissue.
The team behind the scanner. Photo: Uniwersytet Jagielloński
According to Professor Ewa Stępień, "In earlier studies, we found that the lifespan of positronium atoms was shorter in cancerous tissues compared to healthy ones. This discovery prompted us to apply the same approach to brain tissue, comparing healthy regions to gliomas. The results confirmed that positronium atoms 'live' shorter in glioma tissue, providing a new diagnostic marker."
Potential for virtual biopsies
The first groundbreaking patient scans using this technique were performed during innovative glioma treatments led by Professors Leszek Królicki and Jolanta Kunikowska at the Medical University of Warsaw. The findings, recently published in Science Advances, suggest that this method could lead to more accurate tumor diagnosis and even allow for non-invasive "virtual biopsies," especially critical for brain cancers where traditional biopsies pose higher risks.
"With the precision of the J-PET scanner, we can achieve a clearer, more detailed image of the tissue being examined," said Prof. Stępień. "This could revolutionize how we diagnose cancers, reducing the need for invasive procedures, particularly in sensitive areas like the brain."
The impact of cancer in Poland
According to the National Cancer Registry, over 100,000 people die from cancer each year in Poland, with more than 1.17 million living with the disease. This translates to 440 cancer diagnoses per 100,000 residents, with men statistically more likely to succumb to cancer than women. The highest rates of mortality are observed in individuals in their 70s and 80s.
(jh)
Source: TVN24