Detailed Images of Cancer and Neurodegeneration

Bonn/Heidelberg (Germany), October 6, 2026. DZNE and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) intend to use magnetic resonance imaging to map the spatial distribution of proteins and other large biomolecules in the human body. They expect this to provide new insights into disease processes, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Their research relies on “Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging” in combination with a seven-tesla magnetic field. The two research institutions and the Helmholtz Association are jointly investing around 800,000 euros in this project.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows to see inside the human body. Particularly detailed images are produced by MRI scanners that operate at a magnetic field strength of seven tesla – which is about 100,000 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field. Such “ultra-high-field devices” have so far been used primarily in research, but they are increasingly finding their way into clinical practice. “In principle, seven-tesla MRI offers more precise imaging than what has traditionally been available in hospitals and specialist medical practices. But to fully unlock this potential, certain approaches are required. That is what our research project is about,“ says Prof. Tony Stöcker, a physicist and MRI expert at DZNE’s Bonn site. “We are interested in detecting extremely fine structures in our images, such as the shape of individual brain areas or tumors. However, we also want to capture chemical information. More specifically, we are interested in the spatial distribution of large biomolecules, particularly proteins, which can be detected much more effectively with 7-Tesla MRI than at clinically standard field strengths such as 1.5 or 3 Tesla. These are relevant data for understanding disease processes. “

Breaking new ground for clinical research

To this end, the Bonn research team led by Tony Stöcker – working closely with colleagues at DKFZ in Heidelberg – is relying on a special MRI operating mode called “Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging” (CEST MRI). This technique can detect certain chemical structures, and thus indirectly identify molecules in which these structures typically occur. It requires neither ionizing radiation nor contrast agents. “CEST MRI is a relatively young technique, but it has already proven valuable in cancer research. However, for brain research, this method is largely uncharted territory,” Stöcker says. “Thus, our goal is to extend its application to neurodegenerative diseases and optimize it for use at seven tesla. As part of this effort, we will use CEST MRI to study people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.”

In the end, the goal is to enable molecular imaging not only of the brain, but of the whole body. Accordingly, studies involving cancer patients are planned at DKFZ. The aim is for clinical research as a whole to benefit, beyond the work being done at DZNE and DKFZ. “Our findings will be readily available for MRI users. Besides, we are collaborating with Siemens Healthineers, one of the leading manufacturers of MRI scanners”, says Stöcker.

Complex calculations

In MRI, the human body is, in a sense, illuminated by magnetic fields and radio waves. At a field strength of seven tesla, however, the physical conditions make it particularly challenging to achieve uniform “illumination”. Such inhomogeneities come at the expense of image quality – unless they are compensated for. This is where the current research project comes in. “In essence, the idea is to tune different radiofrequency pulses to one another so that their overlap produces an electromagnetic field as homogeneous as possible. At DZNE, we have extensive expertise in developing the corresponding sequences. These are control programs that drive the scanner’s transmit coils to generate radiofrequency pulses,” explains Stöcker. “The sequences allow us to precisely adjust the intensity of the pulses, their timing, and various other parameters – and thus get the most out of the hardware and the physical conditions. Such sequences are designed using complex mathematical optimization processes. Even on a computer, the necessary calculations can take several days.”

In addition to sequences for examining the brain, Stöcker’s team will also develop sequences for whole-body examinations at DKFZ. Beyond these technical developments, the current project also addresses data interpretation. “CEST MRI provides three-dimensional information encoded in grayscale. The gray value reflects the strength of the measured signal. We will explore which clinically relevant parameters, known as biomarkers, can be derived from this,” says Stöcker. In this regard, DZNE will benefit from the cancer research center’s experience in the field of CEST MRI.