Services
Methods / applications
Erasmus MC has been investing in imaging expertise and systems for quite some time and has built unique expertise in a number of areas. Various technologies (i.e. equipment as well as expertise) are put together in one new facility: Applied Molecular Imaging Erasmus. Combinations of imaging modalities can be applied to a single research question, or one experimental animal. From experience we know that a physical grouping of complementary techniques and expertise is a must to reach successful synergy. The new central imaging facility is largely housed in the new research unit in the Erasmus MC Experimental Animal Centre (EDC).
The research in the departments of Erasmus MC covers a wide range of topics; cancer research, microbiology/immunology, developmental biology and pharmacology.
Equipment
Core Equipment:
- Discovery MR901 – 7T MRI
- FMT2500 – Fluorescent Optical Imaging
- IVIS Spectrum – Optical Imaging
- NanoScan – SPECT, 1T MRI
- Quantum Gx2 – microCT
- VECTor – SPECT/PET, microCT and Optical Imaging
- Vevo3100 - Ultrasound
- Workstation with analysis software packages Imalytics, PMOD, Analyze, VEVOlab and more
Developmental/Other Equipment:
- Gammacounter for radioactive samples
- LAZR-X photoacoustic addition to the Vevo3100
- MSOT – 3D Optoacoustic
Showcases
Name: Prof. dr. ir. Marion de Jong
Department: Radiology & Nuclear Medicine
Project Title: Imaging and therapy using the same radiolabelled molecules
General description of research:
An important research line of the Deptartment of Nuclear Medicine is the development and application of radiolabeled peptides and other tracers for tumor imaging (detection, staging and monitoring using PET and SPECT) and radionuclide therapy. These compounds can therefore detect cancer and treat it. The approach showed most convincing results: in the preclinical setting excellent tumoricidal effects were found, whereas in the clinic in patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumors > 75% response rate is achieved. In order to be able to detect and treat more tumor types, we now focus on other peptide receptor systems as well (e.g. CCK, minigastrin, bombesin, GRP analogues). A short youtube video showing the concept of our work can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YvG_MCXZsw
Access & costs
Access to and use of the AMIE instrumentation is allowed under supervision of the AMIE. Training is provided for those who plan to use the equipment independently.
Costs for equipment depends on user requirements. For more information contact the AMIE.
Support
The AMIE provides full-service support on all equipment for imaging experiments with the option to obtain training for unsupported work.
All imaging modalities have isoflurane equipment for anesthesia.