Development of non-invasive MRI imaging for the characterization of mechano-metabolic properties in the translational VX2 liver tumor model

The aim of this project is to establish and validate multiparametric, non-invasive imaging techniques for the characterization of liver tumors, initially in healthy liver tissue and subsequently in a translationally relevant fibrosis model. Established imaging methods will be expanded to specifically investigate the impact of liver fibrosis on tumor development, the tumor microenvironment, and therapy response. The findings from these studies will contribute to understanding the high recurrence rate of liver cancer in pre-damaged (fibrotic) livers and enable individualized, non-invasive characterization of tumor phenotypes and adaptive responses. By implanting tumors in liver areas with differing biomechanical profiles, the project aims to identify conditions favorable to tumor niche formation. Particular focus is placed on capturing mechano-metabolic changes using longitudinal PET-qMRI, multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (mfMRE), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The long-term goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize patient stratification, and support the development of personalized therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in fibrotic livers. Additionally, the project enables longitudinal monitoring of hepatic alterations during fibrogenesis, a process that evolves over many years in humans and cannot routinely be tracked with imaging in clinical settings.