Catching Cancer In Its Tracks
"Imaging metabolism allows us to detect tumour treatment response much earlier than conventional methods." Timothy Scholl, PhD
Pioneering Microimaging
“This research has the potential to shed light on one of the least understood aspects of breast cancer recurrence.” Paula Foster, PhD
Working Together
“With lung imaging, we can look at patients with mild disease much more carefully and change treatment if necessary.” Grace Parraga, PhD

Translational Imaging Research Facility

The Translational Imaging Research Facility (TIRF) represents an unparalleled resource for state-of-the-art MR and X-ray imaging research. Major infrastructure includes: a multi-nuclear-capable clinical MRI system (GE 3T MR750) with an insertable high-performance gradient system for micro-imaging of preclinical models, a state-of-the-art CT scanner (Canon Acquilion ONE PRISM Edition), an angiography system (Canon Alphenix Core+), a digital tomosynthesis system (CareStream DRX-Evolution Plus), a weight-bearing cone-beam CT scanner (CareStream OnSight 3D Extremity System), and a radiostereometry laboratory (GE Proteus XR/a, Carestream DRX, & Fujifilm Capsula). The facility is a valuable resource for x-ray based, multi-nuclear (non-hydrogen), conventional (hydrogen), and other advanced MR imaging methods.

Clinical MRI Research

The main focus of clinical research includes multi-nuclear MR imaging of patients with lung diseases using hyperpolarized (³He & ¹²⁹Xe) gases, as well as, evaluation of endogenous ²³Na storage in human tissue of patients with kidney disease. Other supported clinical research projects at the TIRF focus on neuro-microvascular and neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, MSK disorders, liver disease, and several industry sponsored clinical trials.

Non-Clinical MRI Research

Non-clinical MR imaging studies include cellular and molecular imaging of tumours with novel contrast media (¹⁹F, ¹³C, and iron oxide nanoparticles) and development of MRI reporter gene systems for tracking cell and immunotherapies.

Clinical X-ray Research

There is a broad spectrum of clinical research that includes dynamic CT scans, contrast-enhanced cardiac imaging, and assessment of lung function following COVID-19 infections. Other x-ray based clinical research includes several industry sponsored studies to assess orthopaedic implant migration and surgical approaches.

Non-Clinical X-ray Research

Non-clinical X-ray imaging studies include quantitative assessment using image quality phantoms and development of tools to assess brain and cardiac perfusion.

Please email mrbookings@robarts.ca to schedule time for your 3 Tesla MRI studies, or centri@uwo.ca to schedule time for your x-ray studies.