ISMRM SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ~ 19-22 February 2013
 

Magnetic Resonance of Cancer Gone Multimodal
 Valencia, Spain
 

OVERVIEW
This workshop program will cover the latest advances in the application of multimodal and multi-parametric MR in cancer research. It will feature invited scientific overview presentations, proffered papers, a poster session, debates, and the Negendank memorial lecture on a special topic of clinical relevance. During the workshop, Young Investigator Awards for students and post-doctoral fellows will be awarded based on the quality of their presented work.

The objectives of this workshop are to facilitate in-depth discussions and education on the current advantages, disadvantages, and challenges that multimodal imaging applications, with MR as one of the combined modalities, are facing in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Newly emerging multimodal imaging applications in pre-clinical cancer models and their potential for clinical translation will be presented and discussed, including approaches that image the tumor microenvironment, tumor vasculature, and tumor metabolism. Difficulties of inter-modality image registration and multi-dimensional dataset analysis will also be covered. Specialized sessions will highlight the combination of MR with different OMICs approaches, multi-parametric MR applications, and the use of multimodal contrast agents for improving cancer detection.
 

TARGET AUDIENCE
There are currently 820 physician and basic scientist members using MR and/or other imaging modalities to study/treat cancer. By introducing/ teaching the multimodality concept in oncological imaging, the target audience will likely increase due to the inclusion of optical imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and computed tomography specialists.
 

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
  • Summarize current challenges for multimodal imaging in cancer diagnosis and treatment;
  • Compare the abilities of several newly emerging multimodal imaging platforms in cancer;
  • Create clinical protocols for inter-modality image registration and multidimensional dataset analysis;
  • Assess the tumor microenvironment using novel contrast agents and multimodal imaging platforms that include MR protocols;
  • Integrate MR and PET end-points to fully characterize tumor metabolism;
  • Detect tumor response to novel signal transduction inhibitors or other molecularly targeted agents early-on by using multi-parametric or multimodal imaging platforms;
  • Describe the challenges of combining MR with different OMICS approaches;
  • Compare different multimodal imaging approaches of the vasculature;
  • Summarize the pros and cons of multi-parametric MR, and discuss the different parameters assessed by MR; and
  • Critique targeted contrast agents for molecular MRI in cancer.