Advancing Stem Cell Research
MR-PET holds great promises for emerging therapeutic research as well, as in the case of stem cell therapy. Because the Siemens MR-PET approach allows simultaneous measurement of anatomy, functionality and biochemistry of the body's tissues and cells, it may enable researchers to correlate MR and PET data in a way not previously possible before. This correlative approach will enable researchers to get a much deeper understanding of stem cell migration to damaged parts of the brain, to determine over a prolonged period whether or not cells are still alive, and to identify how stem cells have been integrated into the body's neurological network.
Hybrid technology and MR-PET
Recent hybrid technologies such as PET-CT and SPECT-CT incorporate both imaging modalities into one machine, but the two scans take place sequentially. Siemens' prototype MR-PET acquires MR and PET scans at the same time for the same imaging volume and therefore produces a higher degree of registration.
Siemens' MR-PET prototype is dedicated to the brain and the PET scanner uses a next-generation Avalanche Photodiode Detector (APD) technology. APD technology renders the PET scanner impervious to magnetic fields while providing excellent PET results. In order to maximize the research and clinical impact, Siemens's APD-based MR-PET prototype has been developed for the Magnetom Trio with Tim - enabling to benefit from 3T field strength advantages.
"At Siemens Medical Solutions, we have identified a number of 'mega trends,' and one of these is the merging of technologies to deliver solutions across the healthcare continuum," said Walter Maerzendorfer, president of Siemens Medical Solutions Division of Magnetic Resonance. "Fusing existing technologies, in this case, goes far beyond the simple fusion of images."
Molecular Medicine will Transform the Delivery of Healthcare
"From Biomarker development to imaging equipment, to clinical applications, to information technology solution, Siemens is well positioned to continue to advance the molecular imaging of biological processes" said Prof. Erich Reinhardt, CEO and President of Siemens Medical Solutions and added: "Ultimately, these advances will help us to achieve our goal: increase the quality of care while at the same time reduce its cost".
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