Establishment of molecular imaging technologies for the detection of lymphatic pathologies in oncologic staging

• Applicant: Dr. Katrin Blum
• Subject Area: Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
• Term: from 2010 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 181331993

At present lymph node staging is based on morphologic criteria in combination with functional information about metabolism and perfusion of the lymph nodes. Lymphogenic dissemination of malignant tumours goes along with increased lymphangiogenesis at the tumour margin and in the affected lymph nodes. The lymph flow velocity is elevated in the affected lymph nodes in addition. These cellular processes can be visualized with molecular imaging techniques (Immuno-PET and Near-infrared[NIR]-Fluorescence Imaging) and will be compared with the actual gold standard (FDGPET) in the detection of lymph node metastasis in this project. As a second aim we display and observe the regeneration of the lymphatic system and the lymph flow after lymphadenectomy with these techniques in vivo. The influence of autologous lymph node transplantation on the regeneration of the lymphatic system and reconstitution of a sufficient lymph flow will be imaged in addition. The implementation and establishment of these in vivo, molecular imaging techniques of the lymphatic system in oncology will be therefore an important step for further exciting and relevant basic research and may be a more specific imaging technique for lymph node staging due to it displays the pathologic processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Host: Professor Dr. Michael Detmar