Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre

Staff Profile

Professor Peter Thelwall

Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics; Director, Centre for In Vivo Imaging

Background

Role

I am Director of the Centre for In Vivo Imaging, which represents Newcastle University's in vivo imaging portfolio.

My research centres on the development of innovative MR imaging and spectroscopy methods to characterise the structure, function and physiology of human tissues and organs through non-invasive and repeatable scans. My projects aim to develop reliable and valuable quantitative measurements for implementation in clinical research, and span the intersection of magnetic resonance physics, bioscience and clinical research.

I lead projects on the development and application of lung ventilation imaging methods via 19F-MRI of inhaled tracer gases. I have expertise in the application of multinuclear MRI to clinical research and have a funding portfolio supporting these projects. My studies have involved development of novel 19F, 13C and 7Li methodologies, with resultant performance of preclinical, first in man and patient studies.

Qualifications

·         BSc (Hons) - 1995, PhD (Cantab) - 1999

Positions Held

  • 2020 - present: Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University
  • 2009 - 2020: Reader in Magnetic Resonance Physics, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University
  • 2006 - 2009: Lecturer in Magnetic Resonance Physics, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University
  • 2000 - 2006: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida


Google Scholar: Click here.


Research

Multinuclear MRI to measure tissue structure, function and metabolism

Imaging lung ventilation properties by 19F-MRI of inhaled tracer gases
We are developing non-invasive and radiation-free methods for imaging lung ventilation properties, using new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologies. Our methods provide quantitative measures with potential for translation to clinical practice.Existing techniques to objectively measure lung ventilation properties have significant limitations. For example, spirometry gives no anatomical information and CT scans incur an ionising radiation dose. There is a pressing need for techniques allowing safe, objective, repeatable and quantifiable measurements of ventilation properties. Whilst hyperpolarised noble gas MRI has demonstrated the value of non-invasive and repeatable imaging-based measures of lung ventilation in clinical research, the requirement for hyperpolarisation equipment and expertise presents a barrier to scaling these technologies to clinical practice.A new approach to MRI of ventilation imaging uses MRI of thermally polarised inhalable gases. This approach explois inert fluorocarbon gases with favourable MR relaxation properties, combined with advanced and optimised MRI scan methodologies, to produce images of an inhaled gas without the need for hyperpolarisation.Our studies seek to develop 19F-MRI of perfluoropropane by testing its ability to quantify ventilation defects, representing a step towards the ultimate goal of implementation in clinical practice. We have brought together a team of MR physicists and clinical academics with longstanding experience of respiratory conditions, MR technical approaches, and translational research. Our projects are investigating reproducibility of 19F-MRI lung ventilation imaging methods and testing their ability to quantify compromised ventilation in patients with respiratory diseases. 
Measurement of liver oxidative stress defences by in vivo 13C-MRS measurement of hepatic glutathione metabolism

Oxidative stress plays a central role in the progression of liver disease. We have developed a novel approach to assess hepatic oxidative stress by measuring glutathione synthesis rate with in vivo 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This translational project has employed preclinical models of hepatic oxidative stress insults to demonstrate feasibility, with progression to first ever human demonstration of this approach in healthy volunteers.

We employ administration of a safe and non-radioactive metabolic tracer, 13C-labelled glycine, coupled with in vivo dynamic 13C-MR spectroscopy to monitor metabolism of this tracer into glutathione and other metabolites. We have demonstrated ability to detect and characterise the impact of acute and chronic oxidative stress insults on glutathione metabolism in carefully controlled preclinical models, and successfully translated the methods to human studies. This work has been published in Hepatology: DOI 10.1002/hep.26925.

Present studies involve application of the methods to the study of patients with liver disease, performed in collaboration with the University of Nottingham.

Imaging lithium content in patients receiving treatment for bipolar disorder

We are developing advanced methods to image the distribution of lithium in patients receiving lithium carbonate as treatment for bipolar disorder. This represents direct MR imaging of a pharmaceutical agent in its target organ, and is aimed at better understanding the mechanisms of action of, and inter-patient variation in response to lithium treatment. As part of the European R-LiNK project we have established a network of sites with harmonised 7Li-MRI scan capabilities, applying lithium imaging to the study of bipolar disorder to better understand lithium treatment.


Teaching

PhD supervision

My research team includes research students enrolled in the Faculty of Medical Science PhD programme

Masters-level teaching

I contribute to the NHS Modernising Scientific Careers Clinical Sciences MSc programmes :

  • Module lead for "MPY8011: Imaging with non-ionising radiation 1" - Medical Physics MSc programme
  • Module lead for "MPY8012: Imaging with non-ionising radiation 2" - Medical Physics MSc programme
  • Lecturer for "MPY8001: Introduction to Medical Physics" - Medical Physics MSc programme
  • Lecturer for "MPY8011: Imaging with non-ionising radiation 1" - Medical Physics MSc programme
  • Lecturer for "MPY8012: Imaging with non-ionising radiation 2" - Medical Physics MSc programme
  • Lecturer for "CRV8011: Respiratory and Sleep Science 1" - Respiratory and Sleep Science MSc programme

Undergraduate research teaching

I host research projects placements for Newcastle University Biomedical Sciences BSc students. Students join my team at the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre for a 10 week full time MRI research project, with the aim of achieving valuable advancement in translational MR research with co-authorship in resultant publications.

Tutor to undergraduate students

I am personal tutor for the Biomedical Sciences BSc programme, providing pastoral support to undergraduate students.


Publications