Advancing lung function mapping with innovative MRI methods for clinical translation
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Institute of Neurology
Abstract
Chronic Lung Diseases (CLDs), such as interstitial lung disease and cystic fibrosis, are a major global health concern characterised by distressing symptoms and high mortality rates. There is an urgent need for timely interventions enabled by effective diagnosis.
The Challenge: The main challenge addressed by this project is the accurate classification within individual disease group and effective tracking of the disease. Distinguishing disease subtypes is difficult with clinical tools such as computed tomography scans which do not provide how well the lung works. Yet such information is crucial to allow the identification of disease progression to initiate timely treatments and improve patient health. Additionally, the lack of practical monitoring tools in hospitals limits the ability to assess treatment effectiveness, hindering the development of personalised treatment approaches.
Potential Applications and Benefits: The successful implementation of these new MRI measurements will offer several potential applications and benefits in the future:
1. Disease identification and progression tracking: Non-invasive, radiation-free regional lung function imaging could allow healthcare professionals to determine the best timing for treatment interventions.
2. Personalised treatment plans: Detailed disease profiles obtained through physiological modelling could facilitate the development of tailored treatment plans for each patient.
3. Assessing treatment response: By capturing disease-specific changes in lung tissue and regional function, the proposed MRI biomarkers could help healthcare professionals evaluate individualised treatment responses.
4. Widespread adoption: These innovations could be used in standard MRI scanners and new cost-effective platforms, such as low-field MRI, making them accessible in various clinical settings.
5. Global Impact: Considering that around 700 million people are affected by CLDs worldwide, including 3 million in the UK, implementing these novel MRI techniques holds great potential for improving patients' quality of life.
Furthermore, this programme will provide me with extensive training within a global network of collaborators. This support will help me transition from being an independent researcher to becoming a group leader, and eventually to an international leader. This trajectory will include training in the latest MRI technologies, data analysis and understanding how they apply to real-life medical situations, through working with global experts. Additionally, I will improve my leadership and management skills by regularly meeting and collaborating with diverse groups of people involved in this programme. This fellowship award will not only advance my career but also contribute significantly to the field of lung MRI research, ultimately helping patients who have CLDs.
The Challenge: The main challenge addressed by this project is the accurate classification within individual disease group and effective tracking of the disease. Distinguishing disease subtypes is difficult with clinical tools such as computed tomography scans which do not provide how well the lung works. Yet such information is crucial to allow the identification of disease progression to initiate timely treatments and improve patient health. Additionally, the lack of practical monitoring tools in hospitals limits the ability to assess treatment effectiveness, hindering the development of personalised treatment approaches.
Potential Applications and Benefits: The successful implementation of these new MRI measurements will offer several potential applications and benefits in the future:
1. Disease identification and progression tracking: Non-invasive, radiation-free regional lung function imaging could allow healthcare professionals to determine the best timing for treatment interventions.
2. Personalised treatment plans: Detailed disease profiles obtained through physiological modelling could facilitate the development of tailored treatment plans for each patient.
3. Assessing treatment response: By capturing disease-specific changes in lung tissue and regional function, the proposed MRI biomarkers could help healthcare professionals evaluate individualised treatment responses.
4. Widespread adoption: These innovations could be used in standard MRI scanners and new cost-effective platforms, such as low-field MRI, making them accessible in various clinical settings.
5. Global Impact: Considering that around 700 million people are affected by CLDs worldwide, including 3 million in the UK, implementing these novel MRI techniques holds great potential for improving patients' quality of life.
Furthermore, this programme will provide me with extensive training within a global network of collaborators. This support will help me transition from being an independent researcher to becoming a group leader, and eventually to an international leader. This trajectory will include training in the latest MRI technologies, data analysis and understanding how they apply to real-life medical situations, through working with global experts. Additionally, I will improve my leadership and management skills by regularly meeting and collaborating with diverse groups of people involved in this programme. This fellowship award will not only advance my career but also contribute significantly to the field of lung MRI research, ultimately helping patients who have CLDs.
