Sidra's Imaging Technology Research Moves Forward

Doha, June 09 (QNA) - Sidra Medical and Research Center is developing an imaging technology that will improve understanding of human disease pathologies in vivo (Latin for within the living), help early diagnosis and monitor therapeutic responses precisely. To this end, Sidra is moving forward with several ground-braking studies to advance Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) research development in Qatar and internationally, Sidra said Monday. Sidra recently participated in the world's top imaging research conference, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), in Milan, Italy. The ISMRM promotes innovation, development and application of magnetic resonance techniques. It is an imaging technique used in radiology to investigate the anatomy and function of the body, in medicine and biology throughout the world. The assembly of experts discussed seven ground-breaking research abstracts, in which Sidra researchers made significant contributions. Sidras Research Division Principal Investigator, Dr. Mohammad Haris spoke on his new MRI methodology to image the proteases enzyme activity in cancerous tissues. This is the first time that the cancerous protease activity can be monitored in vivo at high resolution. "Since the malignancy and aggressiveness of cancer is highly correlated with the protease enzymes expression, it is possible to image and quantify the aggressiveness of the cancerous tissue in in vivo using this new imaging method," said Dr. Haris. "Such technique will provide clinicians advance information about the tumour aggressiveness and will help in better clinical management of patients." Apart from his talk, he and his group from University of Pennsylvania in the US also presented the work focused on the quantification of metabolites changes, as well as redox potential changes in various pathologies using MRI. Besides leading the Sidra at International conferences, Dr. Haris, along with his peer at the University of Pennsylvania, published the first imaging research papers with Sidra's affiliation in peer reviewed journals that help advance breast cancer diagnosis techniques and determine cartilage integrity in vivo. Improving health of the population is the goal these MR techniques, Sidra said. (QNA)