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OMIG is a worldwide renown multidisciplinary research group investigating novel optical imaging techniques for enhancing the visualisation of diseases such as cancer and inflammation, and is investigating drug distribution in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.

We have a broad expertise in various optical imaging techniques including fluorescence imaging, optoacoustic imaging, narrow band imaging and spectroscopy and collaborate with UMCG, RUG and external partners.

  • Molecular fluorescence imaging enables the visualisation of diseases that are not visible with the naked eye, which could impact the treatment strategy prior, during or after treatment.
  • Fluorescence imaging provides detailed insights about in vivo drug distribution in a variety of diseases such as cancer and inflammation.
  • In-house GMP production of fluorescently labelled drugs offers clinical translation of new drugs from bench to bedside.

 
Relevance

Societal impact of novel imaging techniques

Through our vast expertise in various imaging techniques, we have shown to highlight otherwise invisible processes in multiple diseases, both during diagnosis and surgery. This can improve patient outcome by both limiting disease progression as saving patients from adjuvant therapy.

  • By utilising novel imaging techniques, we can detect lesions that are not visible to the naked eye. By visualising processes that already occur in early onset of disease, it would be possible to treat diseases early on in the disease process. Moreover, by distinguishing malignant from benign lesions, we could discriminate these lesions better and treat accordingly.

  • During surgery, we are able to image diseases in a intraoperatively manner. Therefore we can aid the treating physician in the identification of unanticipated lesions, and provide real time feedback on the resection margins, which could save patients from adjuvant therapy.

Contact

Max Witjes
Max Witjes Maxillary surgeon-oncologist

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
PO Box 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hanzeplein 1
9713 GZ Groningen

See also: OMIG