Medical radiation physics – radiation in the service of man
How can radiation be best used to detect and cure cancer? And what is the best way to use radioactive substances to examine a patient? Our research in medical radiation physics intertwines physical sciences with the field of patient-centred medicine.
Better methods for radiotherapy
Our medical radiation physics researchers are working, among other things, to further develop the possibilities offered by radiotherapy. We aim to improve the way cancer is treated with radiotherapy, so that more patients recover and fewer suffer from side effects.
In particular, we focus on advancing new treatment modalities and developing ways to optimise treatment. Personalised treatment using these new methods can both reduce cancer recurrence and provide better protection for healthy tissue from the effects of radiation.
Enhanced MRI image quality
Another of our research fields is linked to diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our research develops measurement and analysis methods in magnetic resonance physics to enhance imaging, so that healthcare professionals can, for example, quickly determine which parts of the brain have been affected by a stroke.
We are also researching new contrast mechanisms based on proton exchange and thermal movements of water molecules in the body’s tissues to enhance image quality and thus diagnostics.
Optimisation of radiopharmaceuticals
We also conduct research in nuclear medicine, both for diagnostics and radiotherapy. Nuclear medicine uses radiopharmaceuticals together with gamma cameras and PET and SPECT systems.
This allows imaging of the distribution of the drug in the body’s tissues and mapping of organ function, as well as providing an internal form of radiotherapy for metastatic cancer. Here we focus, among other things, on improving imaging information for kidney and heart function tests and how to optimise treatment of neuroendocrine tumours.
Three-dimensional X-rays
Another of our research fields is in experimental X-ray imaging, where we are developing new preclinical imaging methods with enhanced image contrast. For this research, we have built a laboratory for three-dimensional X-ray microscopy, which provides extremely detailed 3D images of human tissue.
This can be used to study, for example, the appearance of cells or the branching pattern of vascular networks. Such specialised knowledge can enable the development of new medicines and treatments for various diseases.
Interdisciplinary bioimaging centre
Our researchers also make use of synchrotron light at the MAX IV Laboratory, as well as the possibilities offered by the Lund University Bioimaging Centre (LBIC). The LBIC develops advanced imaging methods to support researchers in a wide range of medical fields, particularly in tumour research and neuroscience.