Simultaneous estimation of tracer kinetic model parameters using analytical and inverse approaches with a hybrid method

Abstract

The inverse problem approach to Tracer Kinetic Modelling (TKM) using dynamic positron-emission tomography (PET) images is important in identifying the kinetic parameters and then quantifying the tracer concentrations in the region of interest. In parameter estimation, knowledge of good initial approximations to the parameters is essential. The aim of this paper is to extend existing work on an inverse method for tracer kinetics by proposing an improved hybrid method integrated with an analytic solution in a multi-objective formulation of the inverse method. The analytical solution is derived through the use of the Laplace transformation technique. This integrated approach will be compared against other parameter estimation techniques in terms of computational efficiency and accuracy.