CD Laboratory for MR Imaging Biomarkers

This CD Laboratory researches biomarkers for imaging procedures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This will enable a better understanding of structural, biochemical and metabolic processes in the human body, as well as new forms of therapy.

A new method based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) called magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), for example, makes it possible to simultaneously and quantitatively map various physically and clinically important tissue properties. However, this promising method is still in the early stages of clinical application and further research is required. In parallel, ultra-high field MR scanners (e.g. 7 Tesla) are now also available for routine MRI examinations in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological applications. The advent of 7 Tesla MR scanners has also enabled the use of a range of new biomarkers. These can image a wide range of biochemical compounds in human tissue in vivo and therefore have high clinical potential.

For these new MRI technologies, however, it is necessary to identify selective quantitative imaging biomarkers that were not previously available. In this CD Laboratory, biomarkers for five main areas will be investigated: (1) MR biomarkers for osteoarthritis, (2) neurochemical fingerprinting, (3) iron-weighted imaging in the brain, (4) metabolism-specific biomarkers for rare diseases, and (5) MR biomarkers to support neurosurgical planning. It is expected that some of these methods will improve the understanding of physiological mechanisms and others will be applicable for the treatment of patients.

These technologies will eventually also be applicable outside the field of Medicine imaging. For example, non-invasive in vivo imaging using imaging biomarkers can be used as a critical study endpoint for clinical drug trials, making drug development more efficient. In addition, the food sector and other industries can benefit from the establishment of new biomarkers for in vivo metabolic processes.