Walk Through PET: A high-resolution and affordable Total-Body scanner for early cancer diagnosis

Positron emission tomography (PET) has significantly contributed to the field of molecular imaging, revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. Recent developments have led to the emergence of Total-Body PET scanners, offering unparalleled imaging capabilities. However, their high cost limits widespread utilization. In response, research has focused on developing cost-effective alternatives, with the Walk-Through PET (WT-PET) system standing out as a promising solution.The WT-PET scanner, which is under development at Ghent University, Belgium, features a unique design comprising two flat panels, facilitating efficient imaging of the entire body. With exceptional spatial resolution and depth of interaction capability, the WT-PET scanner enables precise detection of small lesions, crucial for early cancer diagnosis. Its upright patient positioning eliminates the need for a bed, reducing scatter fraction and improving image quality. Moreover, the WT-PET scanner utilizing monolithic detectors, makes advanced molecular imaging more accessible.This study investigates the imaging performance of the WT-PET scanner and its potential impact on early cancer detection and treatment planning. Results demonstrate superior spatial resolution ($\sim 1.3 \mathrm{~mm}$) and sensitivity ($154.0 \mathrm{cps} / \mathrm{kBq}$) compared to conventional PET systems, enhancing detection of 5 mm lesions by $40 \%-100 \%$ in lung and liver. The WT-PET scanner’s ability to detect sub-centimeter tumors highlights its significance in early cancer diagnosis and grading.