A method for thresholding subtracted images in radiolabelled-antibody imaging.
The low target-to-background ratio of radiolabelled antibodies often necessitates the use of a subtraction technique to enhance areas of tumour uptake. However, interpretation of the results is often difficult due to noise in the antibody and subtraction images. By performing a linear, least-squares fit to all the pixel values, it is possible to calculate the "prediction interval". This may be used as a variable threshold for the subtracted image to leave only statistically significant counts. The method has been evaluated in models and found to be independent of count density and image processing. Useful results have been obtained in initial patient studies. The technique is fast and objective, and therefore it may have a useful role in the routine analysis of subtracted images.
Chandler
S T
ST
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Anderson
P
P
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal