Contact

Dr. Martin Ullrich

Research Associate
Radio­pharma­ceutical and Chemical Biology
m.ullrichAthzdr.de
Phone: +49 351 260 4046
+49 351 260 3989

Prof. Dr. Jens Pietzsch

Head of Department
Radio­pharma­ceutical and Chemical Biology
j.pietzschAthzdr.de
Phone: +49 351 260 2622

Radiopharmacology and Cancer Imaging

Using small animal imaging (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI and optical) radiopharmacological characteristics and safety of novel radiolabeled compounds are evaluated in laboratory mice and rats with regard to biodistribution, metabolic fate, and excretion profiles. These investigations include small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and nanoparticles targeting extra- and intracellular targets, e.g., cyclooxygenase-2, transglutaminase‑2, SLC transporters, proteases and somatostatin receptors. Diagnostic performance of promising radiotracers as well as efficiency of anti-cancer drugs and treatment regimens are evaluated in animal models of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, urothelial carcinoma, and other tumor entities. Our research also involves functional imaging of metabolic alterations, such as hypoxia and inflammation in order to further improve our understanding of distinct tumor characteristics and to identify potential “Achilles’ heels” for targeted adjuvant, e.g. radiosensitizing treatments.

Recent key publications

Projects (multicenter)

  • UroNec: Development of bicyclic radiopeptide conjugates for the theranostic treatment of urothelial carcinomas on the basis of a radiocopper platform; Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB).
  • The Adrenal: Central Relay in Health and Disease; DFG, Transregio Collaborative Research Centre TRR205; subproject B10

Research initiatives

  • Mechanisms of Radiotherapy Resistance

Further publications on our hypotheses and approaches

  • ref. pheochromocytoma spheroid models: [1], [2]
  • ref. theranostics of malignant pheochromocytoma: [3], [4], [5], [6]