The Division of Medical Physics in Radiology plays a pivotal role in developing new and optimizing existing methods for imaging-based diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We strive to improve and individualize cancer patient treatment by acquiring quantitative biomedical information about tumors and metastases with non-invasive imaging methods. For example, we are expanding the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using a very powerful magnetic field (7 Tesla) to depict the distribution of sodium, oxygen, and even potassium and chlorine in vivo. By optimizing MRI diffusion techniques, we have been able to greatly improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer screening, and we are investigating mapping of tissue susceptibility to identify image correlates of disease. An additional emerging MR imaging contrast is provided by Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) imaging, which allows detection and measurement of glucose or mobile proteins. Furthermore, new targeted contrast agent designs are being pursued, an approach that permits the use of multiple imaging techniques (MRI, CT, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), optical imaging) to monitor molecular processes and detect metastases in vivo, even at the micromorphologic level.

Future Outlook
In collaboration with clinical divisions and partners at the university hospital, the Division is working to translate novel acquisition and reconstruction strategies for multiple imaging modalities into standard patient use. This includes state-of-the-art imaging protocols at our MR imagers located at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). At 7 Tesla MRI, we have begun a concerted program focused on improving the characterization of prostate cancer.