University Hospital Ulm Department of Nuclear Medicine
Molecular Imaging and Therapy: From Bench to Bed Side
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in modern world. The transitions from normal to malignant cells manifest themselves clinically several years later through a series of complex interrelated changes at subcellular, cellular, tissue and organ level. This knowledge has resulted in a shift in research and management strategies in oncology. Focus has shifted now to diagnoses and treatment using specific targets at the subcellular, cellular and tissue level (hence theranostics). Radiolabelled probes and the concept of nuclear medicine are uniquely suited for exploiting these targets to overcome the ‘smart cancer cells’. However, these targets overexpressed on cancer cells are not unique to them as the cancer cells themselves are the progeny of ‘normal’ cells. This theranostic research group will principally work on bringing together various disciplines like pathology, surgery, oncology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, radiation oncology, and medical imaging for maximization of clinical application of targeted radionuclide probes in individualized treatment of cancer. Immediate aims of the group are : 1) Immediate- a) personalized approach to cancer patients b) improve the knowledge of basic principles of nuclear medicine amongst treating physicians; 2) to develop research collaboration and help translation of preclinical research and novel surrogate markers to phase 1 to phase 3 clinical studies and 3) last but not the least train nuclear medicine physicians and researchers for making theranostic economically viable.
