Medical Physics in Radiology

Our research group explores hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance to overcome the fundamental sensitivity limits of conventional MR, using dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization to assess metabolic and physiological parameters in real time. Following the administration of hyperpolarized substrates such as [1-¹³C]pyruvate, cellular metabolism transfers the ¹³C label to downstream products, each with a distinct resonance frequency, enabling dynamic tracking of key pathways such as pyruvate-to-lactate conversion.

Our work uses preclinical models in oncology and neuroscience, ranging from controlled in vitro systems, including cellular models, to small-animal studies using the SpinAligner platform. We also focus on advancing fast and quantitative ¹³C MR sequence strategies and developing new molecular probes to broaden the available probe repertoire. Alongside these preclinical efforts, we pursue the clinical translation of hyperpolarized ¹³C MR using the SpinLab platform, advancing its use for clinical applications in oncology and neuroscience.

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Our research group is set up to improve and enhance the diagnostic value of emission tomographic imaging systems as specifically related to cancer. These include the nuclear medicine imaging modalities positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) both for clinical and for preclinical applications. With a focus on preclinical imaging in small animals these also include the optical modalities bioluminescence imaging (BLI) as well as fluorescence mediated imaging (FMI) and fluorescence diffusion optical tomography (DOT).

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The research group focuses on MR proton imaging in humans at ultrahigh field (UHF) of 7 Tesla with a special interest in body imaging at this field strength. Due to the short radiofrequency (RF) wavelength, the spatial distribution of the magnetic component of the RF field (B1+), which is necessary for the imaging process, is highly inhomogeneous. This yields inhomogeneous signal and contrast distributions in the body (see Figure), making a diagnosis difficult or impossible. To counteract this effect, we use multi-transmit (Tx) body coils in combination with parallel transmission (pTx) techniques and dedicated RF pulses.

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Our research group develops multichannel transmit systems for use in ultra-high field MRI systems to facilitate imaging of large volumes in the human body. We aim to provide tools that allow clinicians to make use of the full potential of ultra-high field MRI.

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Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the diffusion process of water molecules in biological tissue can be observed. Since the diffusional motion is restricted by barriers such as cell membranes, the measured diffusion coefficients are indirectly related to the cellular structure. Therefore, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is extensively used to gain insights into the structure of biological tissues, especially in the area of tumor and stroke diagnosis or to reconstruct white matter tracts in the human brain.

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The research area of the project group focuses on the evaluation of RF exposure of persons during MR examinations at static field strengths from 7 up to 14 Tesla (ultra-high field MRI). This includes in particular the simulation-based development and optimization of innovative multi-channel transmitter coils with the aim of reduced RF exposure with homogeneous nuclear spin excitation. Further research areas are the development of anatomical body models, the evaluation of SAR and temperature limits, the implementation of thermal regulation systems for realistic safety assessment and simulation-based compatibility tests of passive medical implants. Our group provides also consultancy on MR safety issues.

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To provide optimum outcome for patients, accurate and safe delivery of therapeutic procedures is mandatory. Image guidance enables visualization of targets and organs at risk. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent soft tissue contrast and allows for non-invasive monitoring of crucial parameters during treatment (e.g., organ size and position, filling of organs, or respiratory motion, etc.). Therefore, MRI is excellently suitable for guidance of therapies, such as radiotherapy with photons or particles. The aim of this project group is to develop MR imaging hardware and methods, to enable and improve guidance of therapeutic methods.

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Besides conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where the magnetization of ¹H nuclei is measured, other atomic nuclei with spin I > 0 can be used for signal detection. These nuclei are called X-nuclei. In our department we are developing hardware as well as acquisition, reconstruction and post-processing methods to acquire in-vivo MR signals of sodium (²³Na), potassium (³⁹K), chloride (³⁵Cl), oxygen (¹⁷O), magnesium (²⁵Mg), phosphorus (³¹P) and carbon (¹³C).

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Our project group is dedicated to maximizing the potential of 7 Tesla MRI for human proton (¹H) imaging, aiming to achieve unprecedented levels of detail and sensitivity. We pursue this goal through the active development of novel hardware components and innovative RF management strategies. Furthermore, we optimize existing imaging methods – focusing on image contrast, artifact reduction, and SNR efficiency – to address the unique technical challenges inherent in operating at such high field strengths.

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The "Electronics & Embedded Systems" working group is a service group for the DKFZ's research focus “Imaging and Radiation Oncology”. We provide the link to different scientific groups to realize technical projects. Our expertise lies in system architecture and design of electro-mechanical systems, real-time capable embedded and control systems, such as PLC and FPGA solutions, PLC design and medical engineering.

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32-channel transmitting system

As part of the MRexcite project, the DKFZ's 7T device was expanded to 32 transmission channels and equipped with an integrated 32-channel transmission antenna. As part of the project, the system is being tested for its usability for research and clinical use and continuous improvements are being made.

Within the EU-funded MIRACLE project an add-on device for  7T MRI scanners is developed that determines the efficacy of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients after one to two round of chemotherapy. In current practice patients receive six rounds of chemotherapy before efficacy can determined based on tumor size. In over 30% of patients tumors do not shrink meaning that chemo is ineffective, and the chemotherapy is stopped, and other treatments might be started. The MIRACLE coil determines efficacy sooner based on biomarkers. This leads to an improved Quality of Life in patients, it enables caregivers to change to other treatment strategies faster, and reduces health care costs.

More information about the project here www.wavetronica.com/projects/miracle-project/.