Quantification in dynamic and small-animal positron emission tomography

This thesis covers two aspects of positron emission tomography (PET) quantification. The first section addresses the characterization and optimization of a small-animal PET/CT scanner. The sensitivity and resolution as well as various parameters affecting image quality (reconstruction settings, type of radionuclide) are assessed. In the second section of the thesis, dynamic PET acquisitions are considered. The influence of the framing schedule on the accuracy of the pharmacokinetic parameters is investigated, resulting in the development of an optimized schedule. Because a reduction in scan time would be advantageous for the implementation of dynamic PET in the clinic, the effects of this reduction are also studied. Finally, a study is presented demonstrating the potential of dynamic PET for identifying additional parameters related to the tumor microenvironment.