MR-PET für medizinische Bildgebung

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ken Herrmann, since 8/2016
• Co-Applicants: Professor Dr. Andreas Bockisch; Professor Dr. Mark E. Ladd; Professor Dr. Thomas Lauenstein; Professor Dr. Harald Quick; Professor Dr. Alexander Stahl
• Subject Area: Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 164336511

When integrating Positron Emission Tomography(PET) and Magnetic Resonancle Imaging (MRl) into one imaging systems, several technical and clinical questions have to be addressed. In a tirst step, this research project aims at assessing the interaction of PET with MRl. This mainly technical part of the work schedule will address potential effects of MR equipment (such as radiofrequency receiver coils or contrast agents) on PET attenuation correction, evaluate potential artefacts caused by breathing or implants, and assess specific questions pertaining to attenuation correction in non-511 keV emitters. Solutions to these mechanisms of interaction will be developed. Furthermore, the research project aims at defining clinical indications for MR-PET and at implementing MR-PET into clinical routine. The group will develop MR-PET scanning protocols for various oncological and cardiovascular indications and will transfer these protocolls to routine diagnostic imaging. Once clinically feasible scanning protocols have been developed and implemented clinically, the research project aims at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of MR-PET with regard to various malignant diseases and cardiovascular hybrid imaging.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: 3 Tesla MR-PET
• Instrumentation Group: 3322 PET-MRT-Hybridgeräte (Positronen-Emissions-Tomograph und Magnetresonanz-Tomograph)
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Gerald Antoch, until 8/2016