Biography

Research interests

In my research team, we are investigating novel methods to enable imaging of metabolism and physiology of diseases and treatments non-invasively to aid clinical decision making. Using ultra-high magnetic fields, we demonstrated feasibility of imaging metabolism with magnetic resonance in the human body at clinically relevant spatial resolutions. Observing physiology and metabolism will provide a more direct and therefore faster and accurate means to characterize diseases and responses to treatments when compared to conventional morphologic imaging as known from cell studies. In fact, we have recently proven that metabolic images can predict efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer much better and faster than any morphologic imaging technique could. The results have motivated public-private partnerships in translating the technology for clinical studies involving metabolic MRI throughout the body.

Compared to a few morpholic imaging contrasts conventionally available in radiology, potentially hundred of different metabolite levels could soon be imaged. Our innovation therefore brings radiology into the world of biochemistry and visa versa, creating a new bridge between research groups in identifying what non-invasively detectable metabolites would be useful for aiding clinic. In parallel, acceleration techniques in imaging are being investigated to maximize metabolic and physiologic information within a single scan session for each patient. These incorporate high density receiver array and even novel ways in gradient coil designs that speed up (metabolic) MRI with an anticiptated acceleration of an order of magnitude.

The very first prototype worldwide of metabolic MRI dedicated for clinical use will become available at the UMCU and clinical projects are being compiled for the focus areas of cancer, heart/vasculature, regenerative medicine, child, infections, brain. Teams from Dutch UMCU’s will use our system, while plans have been compiled to take the scientific lead of the next 8 systems positioned worldwide (3 already confirmed) prior to FDA approval.