Imaging the invisible in preclinical models using magnetic particle imaging (MPI)

We propose to purchase a Momentum magnetic particle
imaging (MPI) scanner for KULeuven, UGent and UAntwerp
imaging facilities. The system will also have an integrated
CT for anatomical information and contains the HYPER
system for image-guided localized hyperthermia. No such
scanner is present in Belgium, with the nearest system
being installed in Sweden. The MPI scanner is needed to
address the needs of 14 research groups, and attracted
additional support from 10 groups and 6 companies. The
preclinical imaging centers in Flanders house a wide range
of imaging equipment, but the MPI scanner is needed for
realizing the full potential of the centers: MPI enables
straightforward quantitation of iron oxide nanoparticles.
This allows one to do dose-response studies, e.g. a) How
many stem or immune cells are at the target site, and how
does this affect therapeutic outcome? b) For gene and drug
delivery in theranostic applications, how many particles
need to accumulate at the target site to induce the desired
(anti-tumor) response? c) What is the minimal particle dose
that is locally required to induce effective hyperthermia?