Gadolinium-Free Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine
Our main hypothesis is that advanced MRI and AI algorithms can provide a safe and effective alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Gadolinium, a toxic heavy metal, is the primary MRI contrast agent used clinically. GE Healthcare is a leading vendor of MRI scanners and a pioneer in the use of artificial intelligence in this field. TU Delft is renowned for its advanced research in artificial intelligence, while Erasmus MC is highly regarded for its research in healthcare technology. These three partners exemplify a successful private-public partnership.
Eliminating the need for gadolinium will significantly reduce the risks associated with MRI, such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium deposition in tissues. The absence of contrast agents, along with the envisioned shorter scan times, can lower healthcare costs and make MRI examinations more accessible and affordable for a broader patient population. Additionally, reducing the need for these agents will decrease their production and disposal, thereby improving our environmental footprint.
Advanced MRI techniques developed by Erasmus MC, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, combined with artificial intelligence developed by TU Delft, can provide more sensitive detection of brain lesions in brain tumors or multiple sclerosis related to blood-brain barrier breakdown, as an alternative to using gadolinium. In this project, we will investigate and develop a new technological approach to achieve the same or even superior sensitivity compared to GBCAs, and we will test it on brain tumor and multiple sclerosis patients.
The deliverables will include MRI technology sensitive to blood-brain barrier breakdown and AI methods to detect brain lesions without the use of GBCAs. Patients will undergo shorter scanning sessions without the need for an intravenous injection of gadolinium.
