Philips Research Press Release

Philips researches new quantitative MR acquisition and analytical techniques for molecular imaging

Aachen, Germany -- Scientists at Philips are currently active in the development of fast quantitative Magnetic Resonance (MR) acquisition and data-analysis techniques for molecular-imaging applications. Evaluation of the techniques in collaboration with luminary sites clearly shows that quantitative MR imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for the early assessment of diseases and for monitoring the effects of therapy in follow-up studies.

A fast developing field in diagnostic imaging, molecular imaging provides early detection of pathological processes associated with disease at the cellular and molecular level rather than at anatomical level as in ‘classical’ diagnostic imaging. Key to molecular imaging is the development of targeted contrast agents that bind selectively to specific molecules. In addition, the quantification of molecular imaging agents is crucial for assessing disease progression or regression after therapy. In order to detect the small amounts of contrast agent involved, highly sensitive and precise imaging techniques are required. In this respect, MRI, as a non-invasive imaging method without ionizing radiation and with excellent depiction of internal organs is expected to play an important role. Moreover, by non-invasive measurements of drug effects, quantitative MRI can speed up the development and approval of drugs.

To further extend the role of MRI as a molecular imaging tool, Philips Research is currently developing fast quantitative MR acquisition and data-analysis techniques for the determination of absolute contrast agent concentrations. Since in MRI, the influence of contrast agents on the relaxation rates of the MR signal (which provides the imaging information) is proportional to their local concentrations, Philips is specifically focusing on developing tools to measure the values and changes of the relaxation rates.

Fast, robust and easy-to-use fitting and correction software tools for the generation of relaxation rate maps have been implemented by the Philips researchers. These correct for artifacts arising from local variations of the main magnetic field without lengthening the measurement time of the MR exam. These so-called ‘susceptibility artifacts’, which can obscure the measurement of exact contrast agent concentration, occur even with a perfectly homogeneous MR system due to the magnetic properties of the patient’s body introducing local field changes.

The techniques have been evaluated in collaboration with luminary sites to test their effectiveness with newly-developed targeted agents in pre-clinical trials and also with clinically-approved contrast agents on patients. The results strongly support the conviction that quantitative MRI offers high potential as a tool for the improvement of diagnosis and staging of diseases, as well as for monitoring of treatment response.

High-resolution pictures are available from:

+ http://www.research.philips.com/newscenter
/­misc/aachen/images/­quantitative-mri.jpg

and

+ http://www.research.philips.com/newscenter
/­misc/aachen/images/­quantitative-mri-comparison.jpg

More background information:

+ Innovative early diagnosis technology detects disease before it develops

For further information please contact:
 

Ellen de Vries
Philips Research
Tel.: +31 40 27 42321
Mobile: +31 6 53243037
Email: ellen.de.vries@philips.com