MIB2 – Molecular MR Imaging of the Brain and the Body

Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CEST MRI) is an emerging non-invasive molecular imaging technology that has already demonstrated clinical value in neuro-oncology (e.g. prediction of disease prognosis). As a spectroscopic imaging technique, CEST MRI benefits from ultra-high magnetic fields (UHF) like 7 Tesla by means of higher sensitivity and specificity. However, CEST suffers from the significant transmit field inhomogeneity at 7 Tesla, as well as artifacts originating from motion and fatty tissue.

As part of Flagship 2 of Helmholtz Biomedical Engineering, we are developing next-generation CEST MRI technologies to enable robust CEST MRI of the entire human body and its diseases with improved sensitivity. To overcome the corresponding challenges, we are uniting the complementary technical expertise from the DKFZ and the DZNE, i.e. our expertise in correction and interpretation of CEST effects in tumors, and the design of dedicated transmission schemes for UHF neuroimaging.

The challenges are being addressed in two subprojects. The first subproject provides the technical innovations for high-quality CEST MRI in the brain and body, while the second subproject optimizes and validates the techniques as novel molecular imaging biomarkers. This collaboration enables us to explore the value of CEST for novel clinical applications such as neurodegeneration and body cancer. As CEST MRI has a high translational potential, we believe our advancements will make significant impact on healthcare. The developed acquisition and analysis package will be made available for clinical research together with our industry partner Siemens Healthineers.