The Magnetic Resonance Science Center (MRSC) in the Department of Radiology is dedicated to the development of advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy applications. This clinically applicable research is supported by 11 active and 44 pending NIH grants and 3 ACS grants is motivated by the need to better evaluate disease progression and therapeutic response in a wide variety of different conditions/. In order to enhance our current capabilities and make use of new technology, we are requesting the funds to upgrade our Signa 1.5T clinical imaging system. This upgrade comprises a new platform and console operating on a Silicon Graphics Workstation and a powerful Offline Workstation. This equipment will be essential for the future advancement of the research projects and not only keep the projects in par with the advances in MR imaging, but also provide the capability for more flexible, rapid and sensitive acquisitions, as well as the rapid reconstruction and alignment of imaging and spectroscopy data. The research projects described in this proposal are the result of many years of interactions between MR specialists and clinical scientists. The practical applications which they represent include the study of osteoporosis, prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, treatment response for primary and metastatic brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, clinical hyperplasia, treatment response for primary and metastatic brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, clinical trials of treatment response for superficial tumors and breast cancer. The ability to make use of the latest trials of treatment response for superficial tumors and breast cancer. The ability to make use of the latest technology and to apply that in studies which include evaluations in patients is vital for advancing the bounds of patient care and disease management. At UCSF, we are in a strong position to perform such evaluations as we have the necessary MR specialists, clinical expertise and research facilities. We are looking to the Shared Instrumentation Program to assist us in obtaining the funding which will enable us to purchase the equipment necessary to allow these research programs to take advantage of the latest technology. The equipment requested is a prerequisite we need for utilizing the matching commitment from the Department of Radiology, which include improved gradients and an Advanced Development Workstation. These upgrades are essential to the long term viability of the research programs at the MRSC and for allowing the experimental techniques which are being developed to progress into clinical practice.
