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Clinical Imaging and Medical Physics
We develop novel imaging methodologies and apply them to clinical research.
Our work
We’re developing novel imaging methodologies and applying them to clinical research. This is through our work with imaging technology and medical physics.
Our work centres on developing new approaches in two major technologies:
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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positron emission tomography (PET)
We combine our expertise in the fundamental science of MRI and PET with biomedical and clinical needs. Through this, we create new measurements and diagnostic tools for clinical research. Our overarching goal is to improve outcomes for patients and clinicians.
Together, we’re working on the design, development and application of new MRI tools.
We strive to:
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make quantitative measurements of metabolism, structure and function within the human body
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track changes in physiological processes due to disease and in response to therapies
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develop new MRI scanner software functionality and hardware components
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match clinical needs with technical capabilities
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create new types of measurements and tools for research
We make targeted, quantitative measurements of organ function and structure. This allows us to use MRI as a key outcome measure in clinical trials.
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Our research portfolio covers a diverse range of body areas and diseases. We use targeted, quantitative measurements of organ function and/or structure. Example research areas are:
- developing accelerated MRI scan methods to make better measurements in clinical trials
- using inhaled MR-visible gases to image lung function and assess lung diseases
- measuring motor unit and muscle function to understand MND and its treatment
- understanding neuromuscular disease progression and developing new therapies
- improving treatments for bipolar disorder by imaging how lithium interacts with the brain
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Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning
Our centre has a state-of-the-art PET-MR scanner. This allows imaging of PET radiotracers in the body and MRI scanning of body anatomy and tissue metabolism at the same time.
PET scanning uses very low doses of radioactive chemicals called radiotracers. These bind to specific parts of a cell or tissue. Thus, they report on differences in tissues that arise from changes in function or disease processes.
The Medical Research Council part-funded the PET-MR scanner as part of Dementia Platform UK. This partnership has built a network of PET centres across the UK. Our PET scanner has the latest generation of sensors for high-resolution, sensitive measurements.
We’re focusing on the following projects in our current research portfolio:
- neurological
- neurodegenerative
- cancer treatment
Our scanner has tools for radiotherapy planning, which has enabled research studies. In these, we incorporated metabolic and functional information from a tumour into cancer treatment pathways. It’s also equipped with brain-functional MRI capabilities. They permit simultaneous neuro PET tracer and brain function studies.
For PET imaging, we administer tiny, safe doses of radioactive chemicals to patients and study participants. Our centre houses radiochemistry facilities to create these radiopharmaceutical agents.
We work with local NHS trusts to ensure our processes meet the safety and regulatory standards for patient studies.
Our radiochemistry expertise enables the design and manufacturing of novel radiopharmaceutical agents. This means PET scans can measure key functional and metabolic processes associated with a disease process.
Our growing tracer portfolio is currently focused on neurological, inflammation and cancer biomarkers.
