Molecular Imaging and Therapy

In the BSc Klinische Technology, molecular imaging has already been introduced in the module “Imaging bij grote ziektebeelden”. In this MSc course the physics, acquisition techniques and signal processing underlying various molecular imaging techniques such as PET, SPECT, optical imaging, and spectroscopy will be explored, whereas diagnostic and therapeutic applications, both in clinical practice and preclinical research, will be outlined as well.

The following topics will be covered:

• Basic principles of gamma radiation, PET and SPECT, optical imaging, and spectroscopy

• The indications for the different modalities

• The pharmacodynamics and the development of tracers Issues of image quality, especially related to resolution, signal to noise ratio, quantitative and dynamic imaging.

Molecular imaging is a scientific field that emerged at the beginning of the twenty-first century. This field originated from the field of radiopharmacology due to the requirement for improved understanding of molecular mechanisms and pathways in organisms and cells. Therefore, the field of molecular imaging itself focuses on imaging techniques that enable non-invasive visualization of cellular function and molecular processes, with the objective to improve the understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnosis and prognosis of disease, patient stratification, and evaluation of treatment response. Many of these techniques are now being applied in the fields of oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular diseases for the purpose of research and within the clinical arena.

Molecular imaging differs from traditional imaging in that specific probes are used to visualize specific targets or molecular pathways. This in contrast to conventional imaging techniques that rely on differences in physical properties (e.g. density or water content) to image the anatomy of a biological system. Imaging probes can interact or be altered according to the state of a biological system. Detection of these probes makes it possible to either qualitatively or even quantitatively assess the state of such biological systems. Imaging probes encompass a wide range of biological agents (e.g. enzymes substrates, antibodies) and can either be administered or be endogenous to the system.

Molecular imaging can be categorized into a number of different groups, depending on how a specific technique is used to assess the state of a biological system (e.g. magnetic resonance, optical detection, emission tomography). Although many molecular imaging techniques can be used to image living cells and organisms without perturbing the biological system, other techniques such as mass spectrometry used in the operating theatre, are more destructive techniques.

This course will focus on different molecular imaging techniques and their application in clinical practice as well as in preclinical research. Although many MRI techniques can be categorized under molecular imaging as well, these are discussed in the course Advanced Imaging Techniques and, therefore, fall outside the scope of the present course.