In this study, we explore the use of Co-55 as a radioisotope for multiplexed PET (mPET) by utilizing its emission of a prompt gamma-ray in cascade with a positron during decay. We leverage the prompt-gamma signal to generate triple coincidences for a Co-55-labeled tracer, allowing us to distinguish it from a tracer labeled with a pure positron emitter, such as F-18. By employing triple versus double coincidence detection and signal processing methodology, we successfully separate the Co-55 signal from that of F-18. Phantom studies were conducted to establish the correlation between Co-55 double and triple coincidence counts and Co-55 activity. Additionally, we demonstrate the potential for quantifying hot spots within a warm background produced by both Co-55 and F-18 signals in a single PET scan. Finally, we showcase the ability to simultaneously image two tracers in vivo in a single PET session with mouse models of cancer.
@article{arxiv.2411.08237,
title = {Quantitative Imaging of $^{55}\text{Co}$ and $^{18}\text{F}$-Labeled Tracers in a Single "Multiplexed" PET Imaging Session},
author = {Sarah J Zou and Irene Lim and Jackson W Foster and Garry Chinn and Hailey A Houson and Suzanne E. Lapi and Jianghong Rao and Craig S Levin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.08237},
year = {2025}
}