Gamma ray device could improve cancer treatment

Researchers at Loughborough University are developing a portable 3D gamma ray imaging device aiming to improve cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Current handheld gamma imaging tools are small and easy to use, but limited to providing 2D information. Larger systems are able to give three-dimensional images but are often bulky and complex.

The Loughborough team is aiming to combine the best aspects of both devices through development of the Hybrid Gamma Camera (HGC), a portable device about the size of a hairdryer. 

Lead author of the paper Dr Sarah Bugby, of the university's School of Science, is building on previous work at Leicester and Nottingham universities where the original 2D HGC was created around five years ago.

“We showed that it was possible to conduct handheld stereoscopic gamma imaging, which will provide 3D rather than 2D information,” said Dr Bugby. “By combining gamma and optical imaging, this 3D information will tell the user where and how deep a source of radioactivity is inside a particular material.”

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