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2012 - 11th Annual NC State Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Session Time :
8/1/12 3:00 PM - 8/1/12 4:14 PM
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Content Area : OIA-SRE, Office of International Affairs - Summer Research Experience
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Lead Student Presenters : Bo Ning
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Abstract Title : The development of image processing algorithms to determine the concentration and size distribution of radioactive microspheres
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Abstract :
This research focuses on the development of image processing algorithms to determine the concentration and size distribution of radioactive microspheres, SIR-Spheres (Sirtex Medical, North Sydney Australia). These microspheres, which range in diameter from 20-60 microns, are used in radioembolization procedures to treat patients with unresectable liver cancer. Presently, physicians have no means of accurately measuring the doses administered to patients (which range from 10-60 million microspheres), as clinical and laboratory counting equipment is not compatible with radioactive materials. The development of automated optical counting techniques has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficacy of radioembolization procedures, and the clinical outcomes of liver cancer patients. The MATLAB-based image processing algorithms presented here automatically determine the precise location, number, and diameter of microspheres deposited onto a glass slide. These algorithms accommodate for variations in image contrast, lighting, and focus to accurately identify isolated and clustered microspheres. Preliminary results indicate a counting accuracy of over 98%. Remaining work will focus on applying these algorithms to adjoining images acquired from computer-controlled microscope stages.
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Mentor and/or Co-Author : Gregory D. Buckner
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