The department has an extensive research programme and works in collaboration with several national and international partners. Our research focuses on the development of new tracers for PET and nuclear medicine, on clinical evaluation of new diagnostic methods, and on the use of methods from clinical physiology and nuclear medicine to study pathophysiology. At present, special attention is given to translational research in the area of molecular imaging and we conduct extensive research based on the principles behind molecular imaging. Current areas of major research are detailed below.
A series of projects aimed at development of new, specific tracers for non-invasive tissue characterization to be used for the diagnosis of different cancer types as well as for planning and monitoring of therapy are currently underway. These projects, most of which are translational in nature, are carried out in collaboration with other departments and laboratories, since they are dependent on expertise in molecular biology, chemistry, radiochemistry, cancer biology and imaging. In collaboration with a pharmaceutical company and supported by the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation, a molecular imaging platform for testing of new anti-cancer drugs is being developed.
A series of prospective protocols are being used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of PET and PET/CT in different forms of cancer in children and adults. The use of PET/CT for the planning of radiation therapy (IMRT) and the use of respiratory gating are also being evaluated.
The department conducts many pediatric investigations. Several research protocols with the use of PET and SPECT are carried out in cooperation with clinical departments, particularly oncology.
With the use of PET/CT, including HRRT, studies on brain tumors are undertaken. In addition, imaging of dementia with new tracers is currently studied. In cooperation with Neurobiology Research Unit and Centre for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, neuro receptor ligands have been developed and used for research in neurobiology. The focus has mainly been on the serotonergic system.
With the use of PET/CT, methods non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis and prediction of vulnerability of atheroscle rotic plaques are undertaken in different groups of patients.
With the use of PET, coronary flow regulation is studied in connection with genetherapy and pharmacological interventions in a variety of disease stages. With the use of SPECT/CT the development of ischaemic heart diseases is studied in selected groups of patients.
Research is being conducted into mucociliary clearance of the nose and lungs; Lung function testing and lung scintigraphy in different patient groups, eg. lung transplantation. The value of combined use of SPECT/CT for diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Animal experiments investigating deposition characteristics are other examples of current lung research.
Localized radiation therapy using specifi c ligands binding to certain cancer forms is currently being implemented. The department takes part in research within this area by testing new ligands and producing relevant isotopes. Cancers that are currently being targeted include certain types of lymphoma, ovarian cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Treatment will in part be based on imaging using new tracers for molecular profiling.
Together with external partners, whole body counting is used for exact measurements of body composition in a series of studies. In addition we are investigating absorption of certain minerals from the gastrointestinal tract.