Imagerie intégrative : de la molécule à l'organisme

This interdisciplinary group specializes in the development and application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (MRI, MRS) techniques for the study of experimental tumor models. Research projects aim at defining, evaluating and optimizing functional and molecular imaging biomarkers for tumor characterization and for assessing effects of investigational therapeutic approaches. Studies are carried out on different tumor model types in mice ranging from subcutaneous xenografts to spontaneous tumors in transgenic models. Applications are conducted in cooperation with the preclinical investigation laboratory (LIP) of the Institut Curie Transfer Department and with biologist and chemist groups at Institut Curie and other institutes. For example, the group succeeded in monitoring the very early effect of an antivascular agent by a non-invasive multi-parametric MRI approach based on "Blood Oxygen Level Dependent" contrast MRI. The early effect was followed by decrease of tumour growth rate and acceleration of necrosis formation, both assessed by MRI. Following the same strategy, the group works, among others, on innovative approaches concerning contrast agent based functional dynamic MRI to assess specific vascular characteristics (figure) and early effects of anti-angiogenic therapy, on high spatial resolution sodium MRI and relaxometry and its application to photodynamic therapy follow-up, as well as on the set-up of multi-parametric imaging protocols. In addition, parts of the work deal with the design and the construction of dedicated radiofrequency probes optimized for each application. 25 articles in biology and MRI specialized journals as well as one book, and one international patent have been published since January 2006.