Research

Research in the field of imaging techniques aims to detect cancers at an early stage, characterize them biologically and use this information specifically for individual treatment planning, management and monitoring.

Importance of precise tumour characterization

Precise detection and characterization of the tumour is crucial for

• Choosing the optimal treatment strategy,
• effective tumor control,
• minimizing side effects.
  The analysis of local infiltration and the detection of distant metastases play a central role here.

Integration and improvement of modern imaging techniques

For comprehensive morphological, functional, metabolic and molecular imaging of tumors, various cross-sectional imaging techniques will be further developed and combined, including

• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US)
• Dual-energy/spectral computed tomography (CT)
• High and ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Hybrid imaging with PET/CT and PET/MR (positron emission tomography)

Goal: Personalized 3D/4D treatment planning

The concept of improved multiparametric and multimodal imaging is intended to use all available in vivo information to enable a personalized 3D/4D treatment strategy. The following are taken into account

• Morphology and movement of the tumor
• Tumor microenvironment and vascular supply
• Molecular, metabolic and functional properties

Validation through clinical studies

In order to ensure precise diagnostics and treatment planning, imaging technologies must be correlated with histopathological and molecular oncology results and validated in clinical studies.