Screening of breast cancer patients for their tumour's prognostic marker status is necessary in determining the most suitable course of treatment. This is particularly important in the assessment of HER-2 expression status in identifying candidates who may respond to trastuzumab therapy. Current methods are limited in their effectiveness in accurately determining actual marker status.Discussed herein is an investigation into the development of a titanium dioxide nanoparticle system which may be applied as a medical imaging methodology through the use of positron emission tomography to gauge accurately a patient's HER-2 expression status in identifying candidates for trastuzumab therapy. The initial synthesis of organically coated ultra-small titanium dioxide nanoparticles is discussed in depth with respect to a range of coating molecules and further functionalisation. Additionally, methodology to elicit an exchange of these coat molecules is explored in detail resulting in the generation of TiO2 nanoparticles capable of forming long-term stable suspensions in water. An exploration of the synthesis of fluoride accepting groups for use in generating radiolabelled compounds is explored both successfully and unsuccessfully leading to the development of conditions suitable for radiolabelling aryltrifluoroborate compounds. Attempts to then combine these radionuclide accepting groups with biologically compatible TiO2 nanoparticles are discussed as an initial step toward the generation of a potential PET tracer. However, while this conjugation was achieved, a successful demonstration of the radiolabelling was not achieved requiring further focus on modulating the nanoparticle to easily allow its recovery from such reactions. Finally, an investigation into the effects of trastuzumab and cetuximab on FDG uptake by cells in vitro is discussed with respect to the potential of monitoring disease response to these drugs with conventional FDG-PET.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2008. / Typescript (photocopy). "June 2008." Includes bibliographical references (p. [135]-138). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Submitted in fulfillment of Masters in Radiography, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 2007. / Aim/research questions The aim of the study was to evaluate CT-based treatment planning versus digitised image planning (standard planning technique) for carcinoma of the breast, using the four-field breast technique, in terms of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes, the variability of the breast tissue and the dose inhomogeneity at the matchline. The variability of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes has not been documented in any local or national studies. When simulating patients for treatment, it is evident that the anatomical variability of patient chest wall thickness, shape and size is a contributing factor towards the final treatment plan and dose distribution achieved. Therefore knowing the correct depth of the nodes and being able to clearly demarcate the breast tissue should result in a favourable dose administration. The following questions were addressed:  What is the dose to the supraclavicular nodes from both plans?  What is the dose to the axillary nodes from both plans?  How do the plans differ in terms of dose coverage to the supraclavicular and axillary nodes?  What is the relationship between the depth of the supraclavicular nodes and the patient separation? ii  What is the relationship between the depth of the axillary nodes and the patient separation?  Does the target volume receive adequate dose coverage from the plans?  How is dose to the heart volume affected by target coverage on both plans?  How is dose to the lung volume affected by target coverage on both plans?  What is the dose variability along the matchline?  Are the plans over dosing?  Are the plans under dosing? / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Radiography)-Dept. of Radiography, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xxiv, 142 leaves, Annexures A-L / The aim of the study was to evaluate CT-based treatment planning versus digitised image planning (standard planning technique) for carcinoma of the breast, using the four-field breast technique, in terms of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes, the variability of the breast tissue and the dose inhomogeneity at the matchline.