Functional imaging

The functional imaging platform has been reorganised into sectors: a pre-clinical imaging sector and a clinical imaging sector have been defined.

Clinical imaging: bringing together skills

The oncological imaging network has been put to the test within the framework of the Grand Ouest Glioma organisational network. This experience concerned Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The first step involved coordinating the imaging performed on patients using the various imaging machines. A quality control of the MRI machines was performed to quantify and analyse the data from assorted sources in a relevant manner.

A multi-centre protocol applicable to all the MRIs has been defined from the repeated image tests. Implementation of this protocol required a prior injection of a contrast agent into the tissues and the examination of its spread within the tumour.

 

Pre-clinical imaging

The methodology for the analysis of sites has involved an inventory of resources. The majority of imaging platforms of the Cancéropôle are developing an activity which has overtaken the frontiers of cancerology. Their areas of operation have been taken into account to distinguish them by status, Some are involved in the satisfaction of the requirements of a team, a site or a network, whilst others are directed towards research. Their operational capability and their involvement in the quality approach have been assessed.

The imaging network of the Cancéropole Grand Ouest makes it possible to perform radiography on animals weighing up to 500 grams. These medical imaging machines are of sufficient quality to provide the scientific community with reliable information.

Within the scope of a translational research approach, technological ruptures have been necessary to miniaturise the systems. They have made it possible to improve the sensitivity and resolution of examinations performed on small animals. The combination of ultrasound imaging, MRI, X-rays, CT scanners, radioisotopic and optical techniques has produced interesting results. They combine anatomical, physiological, metabolic and molecular parameters. These techniques have reached a degree of maturity which makes them usable for cancerology research. However, there is a requirement for continuous development of methodology, particularly in the field of MRI and quantitative imaging.

Manager :

Hervé Saint Jalmes, Rennes and Alain Le Pape, Orleans