While CEST methods are gaining popularity, especially for cancer detection and neuroimaging applications, many obstacles remain to reliable use in clinical settings.
We are exploring several applications of CEST imaging in human disease:
- Using endogenous urea to achieve pH and urea map distribution in the human kidney. We are working on acquisition and quantification methods.
- Imaging of biochemical alterations in human breast malignancy using CEST-MRI. This technique could improve the specificity of MRI-based mammography and improve diagnostic and prognostic values of MRI in breast cancer.
- Detecting cartilage degeneration in intervertebral discs and on the articular surfaces of bones.
Left: transverse anatomical image of a health IVD Right: CEST map of IVD