Parkinson's Trial With DaT-SPECT Imaging

Challenge

Quantitative striatal binding ratios derived from DaT-SPECT imaging served both as an enrollment screening tool and as a longitudinal biomarker in this Parkinson's disease trial. However, differences in imaging systems and reconstruction practices across 40 sites introduced variability into precisely the measurements the trial depended upon. Without harmonization, apparent differences in binding ratios risked reflecting scanner characteristics rather than underlying biology, undermining both screening accuracy and biomarker reliability.

Our Solution

Intrinsic Imaging qualified every site through phantom imaging, characterizing each system's quantitative performance before subjects were scanned, and aligned reconstruction parameters across platforms to maximize comparability. Central review combined quantitative striatal binding ratio measurement with standardized visual interpretation, so that enrollment decisions and longitudinal assessments each drew on consistent, controlled methodology regardless of the acquiring site.

Results

• Reduced cross-site signal variation
• Accurate imaging-based enrollment screening
• Reliable longitudinal biomarker data