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HEStaff exchange2023–2027

DETMED · Novel detector concept for medical gamma probe

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-10-01 → 2027-09-30
EU contribution
€1,651,400
Participants
10
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Novel detector concept for medical gamma probe

The DETMED project aims to develop a novel, high-precision gamma probe for radioguided surgeries, significantly improving cancer detection and treatment. By leveraging next-generation silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with a buried pixel structure, the project seeks to enhance photon detection efficiency, expand energy detection ranges, and reduce probe size for better surgical maneuverability. This initiative fosters European technological leadership through joint R&D, innovation (R&I), and international multisectoral collaboration, strengthening ties between academia, industry, and medical institutions. By incorporating advanced semiconductor technology and scintillation materials, DETMED will deliver a gamma probe with higher sensitivity (+40%) and broader energy detection range (2x) compared to existing solutions, thereby advancing the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and contributing to next-generation nuclear medicine technologies. To achieve this goal, the project is structured into six Work Packages (WPs): WP1: Innovative SiPM Development and Testing Objective: Development and optimization of buried-pixel SiPMs to achieve high photon detection efficiency, linearity, and radiation resistance. Results: Fully operational SiPMs with 100% active area, optimized for radioguided surgery applications. WP2: Scintillation Material Selection and Characterization Objective: Identify and optimize high-performance scintillators to maximize light yield and detection efficiency. Results: Protocols for optimal scintillator selection, evaluation of light transfer efficiency, and performance characterization. WP3: Electronic Circuit and Readout System Development Objective: Design and fabricate a compact, high-speed signal processing unit for real-time gamma detection. Results: Functional readout electronics and signal processing software, optimized for integration into the gamma probe. WP4: Gamma Probe Prototype Assembly Objective: Construct a fully operational gamma probe prototype, integrating SiPMs, scintillators, and readout electronics. Results: Miniaturized, high-precision gamma probe suitable for preclinical validation. WP5: Performance Testing and Calibration Objective: Validate the gamma probe under realistic environmental and clinical conditions, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Results: Performance benchmarking in mixed radiation fields and patent application for the innovative detector technology. WP6: Project Management and Dissemination

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The increase in the number of oncological diseases is one of the main factors contributing to the improvement of scientific, technical, and medical solutions. Every year in Europe, more than a million people die from various types of cancer, so the development and research of modern methods of medical diagnosis, treatment, and technical improvements are an integral part of the work and research of scientists. One of the current technological advances in the surgical removal of tumors is the gamma probe, which provides precise locations of cancer cells in a patient. For the successful implementation of the project, a coordinated exchange of experience and knowledge gained in the field of physics, engineering, and technology will be carried out; by strengthening modern knowledge in the field of optoelectronics and applying modern technological approaches and methods, as well as international cooperation of highly qualified scientists and engineers from Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine, Germany, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.The project participants have many years of experience in the development and research of optical detectors, which resulted in the development of high-performance photodetectors with unique structures and parameters that surpass their counterparts. The successful implementation of this project will lead to the scientific development of a new generation of highly sensitive gamma detectors and, as a result, to the creation of an improved detection device.The aim of the project is to develop a high-precision, more compact prototype gamma probe for surgical operations. Within the framework of this project, the collaboration will carry out both, research and technological components using the latest research methods and technical potential and through multi-purpose business trips.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • COFAC COOPERATIVA DE FORMACAO E ANIMACAO CULTURAL CRL · LISBOACoordinatorPortugal
  • CASCATACHUVA LDA · AlmadaPortugal
  • ELMEK MOZGASBAN ALAPITVANY · BUDAPESTHungary
  • INSTITUT JOZEF STEFAN · LjubljanaSlovenia
  • NANOMATERIALS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SP. Z.O.O · KRAKOWPoland
  • RADIASIYA PROLEMLERI INSTITUTU AZERBAYCAN MILLIELMLER AKADEMIYASI · BakAzerbaijan
  • SETM LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY · BAKUAzerbaijan
  • TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DORTMUND · DortmundGermany
  • VI VERNADSKY INSTITUTE OF GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE · KyivUkraine
  • ZAPADOCESKA UNIVERZITA V PLZNI · PilsenCzechia

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union