GliaRPET – a cryogen-free simultaneous PET/MR system for quantifiaction of glioma associated receptors

For in-depth characterization of the molecular properties of brain tumors and their microenvironment, non-invasive imaging modalities are crucial. In order to acquire a suitable PET in combination with a cryogen-free high field MRT (7 Tesla) scanner (coined GliaRPET for glioma asscociated receptors), funding of over 3 million euros has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE InfraProNet 2021-2027). This is the first preclinical system of its kind to be installed in a research laboratory in Germany, with simultaneous PET/MRT imaging system and an additional SPECT module that can be used for small animal studies. Furthermore, the necessary installation work for the utilisation of the aforementioned equipment will also be funded. This will facilitate the realization of cutting-edge multimodal imaging studies in experimental animal models of brain tumours. 

Press release (21st Oct 2024)

The development of novel radiotracers requires extensive validation of the molecular processes visualised by PET and SPECT. In this context, high-field (7 Tesla) small animal MRI plays an important role as a complementary technique. In addition to structural information such as high-resolution anatomical images of tumour infiltration, the tumour microenvironment and micrometastases, it is possible to visualise diagnostically and therapeutically relevant diffusion and perfusion processes. Together with the MR spectroscopic detection of specific components of the tumour metabolism, a complete mechanistic and functional analysis of the processes visualised with new radioligands is possible. The advantage of simultaneous PET and MRI imaging is that acquisition times can be shortened, thus ensuring high throughput and minimising animal distress in line with the 3Rs. Additionally, simultaneous acquisition enables temporal correlation and quantification of both imaging modalities for the investigation of biological processes in tumours. A key aspect is the translation of non-invasive imaging of diagnostically and therapeutically significant changes in protein expression patterns, metabolic processes and the tumour microenvironment into clinical practice.

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