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gamma-MRI: the future of molecular imaging

Project description

A game-changer molecular imaging technology at the point-of-care

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, and the extent of ischaemic damage is the determinant factor for treatment. There is a very narrow time window of a few hours for treatment initiation, but point-of-care molecular imaging is lacking. To address this problem, the EU-funded GAMMA-MRI project is proposing the development of a breakthrough imaging technology manipulating gamma rays with MRI, combining the best of these two technologies. This novel device incorporates artificial intelligence and is expected to advance molecular imaging while bringing the personalised early management of stroke a step closer to reality.

Objective

Gamma-MRI will develop a clinical molecular imaging device based on the physical principle of anisotropic gamma emission from hyperpolarised metastable xenon. In the strategic move from “one size fits all” to personalised medicine, molecular imaging plays an essential role. However, despite significant technological advances in the last decades, medical imaging (especially for the brain) relies heavily on very expensive, complex and bulky machines. Moreover, MRI suffers from low sensitivity, only partially compensated by the recent advances in hyperpolarisation. On the other hand, the very sensitive PET and SPECT imaging modalities offer limited spatial resolution. Besides those trade-offs, the limited access to suitable devices still hinders the applicability of medical imaging to address major healthcare challenges in brain-related pathologies, even in Europe. Stroke alone is the second cause of death and the third cause of disability worldwide. The evolution of ischaemic damage varies much among patients. To achieve significant improvement in the outcome of the patients, a careful selection of the treatment path guided by images of the ischaemic brain, in a narrow time window of just a few hours is crucial. Unfortunately, point-of-care molecular imaging that could speed up patient management barely exists. Gamma-MRI is a game-changer imaging technology, combining the high sensitivity of gamma ray detection and the high resolution and flexibility of MRI, bringing down by multiple fold the cost of molecular imaging. Six closely interlinked work packages will cover: production of hyperpolarised gamma-emitting xenon isomers; preserving hyperpolarisation until delivery to targeted organ; developing advanced image acquisition and reconstruction using physics- and artificial intelligence- based approaches; designing and assembling the prototype upon a low field versatile magnet; and implementing the first preclinical Gamma-MRI brain imaging experiment.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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RIA - Research and Innovation action

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020

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Coordinator

HAUTE ECOLE SPECIALISEE DE SUISSE OCCIDENTALE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 079 963,75
Address
Route de Moutier 14
2800 Delemont
Switzerland

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Jura
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 079 963,75

Participants (7)

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