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:1) understand the basic methodology of PET, MRSI, and MSI.2) understand how these methods probe and reflect molecular processes associated with cancer.3) be able to apply these methods in a clinical or scientific setting.4) be able to analyze and interpret molecular images.5) 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.