Novel MRI Techniques

The Centre for Medical Imaging has a major focus on the clinical translation of novel imaging technologies, allowing new approaches to assess microstructure, function and metabolism of cancer in-vivo.

Prostate scan could save thousands of unnecessary biopsies

A study published in Radiology found a new type of MRI scan could help doctors rule out prostate cancer more regularly, potentially saving thousands of men from undergoing unnecessary biopsies. Using the VERDICT MRI scan alongside standard imaging techniques was found to be significantly better at identifying men who do not have prostate cancer.

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A person on an MRI machine and the monitors showing the imaging

Hyperpolarised MRI

It is hoped that by using hyperpolarised MRI and multi-parametric MRI together, clinicians can further improve diagnostic accuracy by giving a clearer picture of the exact tumour location. Furthermore, by understanding the metabolic activity, clinicians hope to differentiate between aggressive or non-aggressive tumours, helping to guide treatment decisions.

A clinical trial at UCL uses a method which sees the patient injected with a traceable sugar before undergoing an MRI scan. Before injection, the sugar is put through a process called hyperpolarisation using specialised equipment set up at UCLH. This boosts the signal produced by the sugar by more than 10,000 times. The metabolic conversion of the sugar in the location of tumour can be picked up by MRI to determine where the tumour is and may be helpful in determining how aggressive the tumour is.

Lead Investigators: Professor Shonit Punwani

An axial T2 weighted MRI (A: top image) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient map (B: middle image) acquired as part of a routine multi-parametric MRI study of the prostate. 13C spectroscopic lactate image (C: bottom image) demonstrates high levels of lactate at the position of the biopsy positive Gleason 3 4 tumour site (red arrow).

Motion correction

Solving the problem of patient motion during MR imaging is part of research conducted at CMI includes MRI Motion Correction and Characterisation particularly in the imagine of the gut.

Lead Investigator: Professor David Atkinson

Quantitative MRI

Quantitative multi-parametric MRI research at CMI involves developing computational and analytic methodology for extracting quantitative data from multi-parametric (anatomical and functional) MRI and determine its biological significance for cancer imaging.

Lead Investigators: Professor David Atkinson, Professor Shonit Punwani, Dr Tim Bray

Motion quantification and correction

Solving the problem of patient motion during MR imaging is part of research conducted at CMI includes MRI Motion Correction and Characterisation particularly in the imagine of the gut.