Our senology research group is primarily concerned with new diagnostic methods for the (early) detection of breast carcinomas (breast cancer) and the associated interventional methods, primarily biopsies. The research projects in the field of breast diagnostics deal with MRI, CT and X-ray mammography, including tomosynthesis. In cooperation with the Breast Centre at Cologne University Hospital, the intensified early detection of high-risk patients is also being investigated and optimized.

X-ray mammography

In the field of X-ray mammography, new digital acquisition techniques are being researched and compared, such as tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and C-View/Synthetic 2D, in which 2D image data is calculated from the 3D image data set without the need for an additional scan with additional radiation exposure. For the diagnosis of breast tissue, contrast-enhanced dual-energy subtraction tomosynthesis is also used, a mammography method in which a contrast agent is administered and then tomosynthesis is performed at two different X-ray energy levels, the image data of which are subtracted from each other in order to achieve the best possible representation of the density differences in the tissue.

MR mammography (MRM)

In mammography using MRI, the research group is involved in the evaluation and development of new MRI sequences and techniques as well as the standardization of MRI sequences for mammography. In addition, research is carried out on the prospective survey of the image morphology of breast carcinomas in patients, taking into account the family history of breast cancer, and is involved in the scientific evaluations of the familial breast cancer consortium.

CT mammography

Mammograms can also be carried out using computer tomography. The research group is involved in testing and evaluating the technical principles of CT mammography on the basis of phantom measurements and the evaluation of senological findings in CT examinations of the thorax.

MRI-guided interventions

One focus of research and clinical practice in senology at the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology is MRI-guided vacuum biopsies of the breast. In particular, the length of the intervention period, success rates, complication rates and forms of complication are investigated in relation to clinical parameters, the image morphology of the target lesions and the device technology used.