Neurooncology

Our AI research group aims to develop novel methods to improve brain imaging and establish new approaches for non-invasive tumor characterization. Recent advances in processing of imaging data with use of Artificial Intelligence and introduction of quantitative MR imaging sequences provide numerous opportunities for clinicians to improve patient management and therapy planning.

One of our main interests is to automatize brain tumor detection and consecutive segmentation using Deep Learning based techniques to free up radiologists’ resources and enhance reproducibility of imaging data. In combination with newly developed imaging sequences such as MR Fingerprinting, we want to determine tumor biology, non-invasively. Finally, we use Artificial Intelligence for studies regarding non-invasive multiparametric diagnostics and studies evaluating multimodal tumor therapy.

One of our current projects aims to develop methods for distinguishing true tumor progression from therapy-related changes in glioma patients undergoing treatment, with one approach utilizing quantitative MRI imaging and another involving deep learning algorithms, making it more accessible compared to the alternative FET-PET imaging. Additionally, advanced language analysis will be employed to effectively summarize the complex disease courses of glioma patients, thereby enhancing their treatment and resource allocation.

Neurovascular Imaging

Another focus of our research group is the automated detection of neurovascular pathologies with special interest in intracranial aneurysms. Further, we want to use automatically generated segmentations to stratify patient risk and facilitate endovascular or surgical treatment.

Grant support

• Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (Kai Laukamp & Michael Schönfeld)
• Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, University Hospital Cologne (Kai Laukamp & Michael Schönfeld)
• Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne (Kai Laukamp)
• Cologne Clinician Scientist Programm (David Zopfs)
• Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (Simon Lennartz)

Collaborations

• Institute for Diagnostic Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
• Department of Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy, Center for Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany
• Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany
• Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
• Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology and Pediatric Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
• Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
• Philips GmbH Innovative Technologies, Aachen, Germany
• Lung Cancer Group, Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jan Borggrefe, MD (Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden - University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University Bochum)

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Norbert Galldiks, MD (University Hospital Cologne)

Dr. Jan-Michael Werner, MD (University Hospital Cologne)

Prof. Dr. Christoph Kabbasch, MD (University Hospital Cologne)

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Simon Lennartz, MD (University Hospital Cologne)

Dr. David Zopfs, MD (University Hospital Cologne)