Joint funding by the CBRC and University College London Hospital (UCLH) has enabled UCLH to install an advanced scanner specifically for translational research.
Few NHS trusts have a 3T MRI scanner with guaranteed research time for truly translational collaborative studies.
The scanner which, which weighs 5 tons, provides detailed, high definition images of tissue without exposure to radiation and will enable scientists and clinicians to work together on translational research projects.
The CBRC grant was awarded to Dr Stuart Taylor, honorary consultant radiologist and reader at University College London (UCL) and co-investigators. Honorary consultant radiologist and senior lecturer at UCL Shonit Punwani, who leads the research facility, said:
“It is fantastic equipment and it was exciting to see it arrive at UCH. It provides more detailed images in the same amount of time as current equipment, with the potential to lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Patients with a wide range of conditions will benefit including those with stroke, cancer and orthopaedic disorders.
“The facility will be pivotal in developing research projects focusing on scanning techniques which are not routinely available but show promise or have been successful in pre-clinical models. It will be invaluable in helping us bring them quickly into clinical practice to benefit patients.”
The more sensitive the screening process is, the earlier diseases can be identified and treated: tiny changes to the structure and function of tissue precede larger more obvious changes to the anatomy. A number of research studies are planned to investigate further.
Research teams are also developing MRI techniques which could reduce the need for more conventional scans using ionizing radiation in cancer imaging - particularly important for young patients where radiation exposure should be limited.
Research and clinical teams will share the facility 50/50. The equipment will also be available for private patient work and commercial clinical trial research.
