Course content

The course explains various in vivo and ex vivo techniques for molecular imaging of cancer. The emphasis will lie on PET, MRSI, and MSI, which are state-of-the-art methods for visualizing the spatial distribution of molecular processes associated with cancer. The feasibility and limitations of these methods in the pre-clinical and clinical setting will be discussed, as well as their basic hardware components and the most important image acquisition and reconstruction methods. Hands-on exercises in data analysis and image interpretation will be available.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should:

• understand the basic methodology of PET, MRSI, and MSI
• understand how these methods probe and reflect molecular processes associated with cancer
• be able to apply these methods in a clinical or scientific setting
• be able to analyze and interpret molecular images
• manage to critically evaluate scientific publications where molecular imaging methods have been used.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and hands-on exercises. The course will be arranged with a minimum of 4 students.

Compulsory assignments

• Lectures
• demonstrations and excersices

Further on evaluation

The student should give a short presentation of a published scientific paper, and in addition write a review paper about a chosen topic within the field of molecular cancer imaging.

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree or relevant (work) experience within methods of molecular imaging (PET/MRSI/MSI). Medical students at the Student Research Program. Candidates without a Master's Degree will be assessed individually.

Recommended: Some experience with positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI), and/or mass spectroscopy imaging (MSI) in clinical or scientific use.

Course materials

Lectures and other course materials will be posted on Blackboard.