Hyperpolarisation based on Parahydrogen for Advanced Clinical Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in South Germany – HYPER South

• Subject Area: Radiology ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology ; Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 553580453

Hyperpolarised Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HP-MRI) is a promising emerging technique in molecular imaging, as it non-invasively provides real-time spatially and temporally resolved quantitative data of tissue metabolism. Several small studies have shown that HP-MRI is safe and clinically feasible. They have identified many exciting potential applications like in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Improvements in hyperpolarization equipment and new techniques, such as parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP), now offer the prospect of more extensive clinical studies. Thus, there is the potential to get HP-MRI "out of the ivory tower" into the real MRI-world, paving the way for scientific discoveries and impactful clinical applications. Our collaborative research strategy involves a multidisciplinary, multicenter team of imaging specialists from Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Medical Physics from Ulm University Medical Center, the School of Medicine and Health of the Technical University of Munich, and the University Medical Center Freiburg. These three institutions will share one hyperpolariser to maximize its utilization for a broad spectrum of clinical studies. By rotating the device between the three centers at regular intervals, the scientific and clinical potential of HP-MRI can be studied in many more scenarios than possible at a single center. Furthermore, the robustness of HP-MRI signals can be evaluated in a multicenter setting. The PHIP method enables such a flexible use of a hyperpolariser, because the device is compact enough to be easily transported across Germany. For the proposal, we plan three major project areas. In project area A, we will focus on methodological aspects like optimizing sequences, coil technologies, image postprocessing, and advanced AI-enhanced data analysis by our medical physics experts. In project area B, we plan clinical studies in large patient collectives by comparing routine MRI and PET imaging with HP-MRI. More specifically, in oncological patients and patients with neurodegeneration, we will compare routine 18F-FDG PET with 13C-pyruvate HP-MRI in various clinically relevant diseases. This approach is greatly facilitated by the fact that two of the participating centers will use a PET/MR scanner for HP. Thus, it is straightforward to integrate HP-MRI in the clinical imaging protocols. These studies will evaluate the potential of 13C-pyruvate HP-MRI compared to routine imaging procedures in a substantial number of patients in a limited amount of time. In addition, gender- and age-matched reference data on cardiac and brain metabolism will be established. In project area C, we will use HP-MRI in combination with PET or functional MRI to gain new insights into biological processes that are impossible with existing imaging techniques. This "deep molecular imaging" approach will include projects in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, as well as inflammation, trauma, and muscle physiology.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: Clinical PHIP-based Hyperpolariser
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Leader: Professor Dr. Ambros Beer