Research
Precision Imaging as a Key in Cancer Care : S.Nougaret

The PINKCC Lab (Precision Imaging as a New Key in Cancer Care) represents a critical intersection of technological advancement and the ongoing quest to enhance cancer care. Established through an ERC starting grant in 2023, this state-of-the-art laboratory leverages the substantial capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in imaging to redefine cancer care paradigms.

The primary mission of the PINKCC Lab is to transform the understanding and analysis of tumor habitats and phenotypes. By integrating advanced multiomics approaches with extensive clinical in vivo imaging data, we aim to construct a comprehensive depiction of cancer. A significant innovation of the lab is the development of “virtual cancer biopsies,” which aim to digitally replicate the complex histologic and molecular characteristics of tumors, traditionally obtained through invasive procedures. Moreover, the PINKCC Lab employs non-invasive biophysical imaging characterization techniques, such as assessments of hypoxia, pH levels, acidity, and elasticity, combined with AI to create predictive models for virtual cancer modeling.

The impact of these advanced virtual models is substantial. They are designed to support clinicians and researchers by enhancing decision-making processes, tailoring treatment plans, and enabling personalized patient care.

The PINKCC Lab is engaged in several ambitious projects, including the ERC-funded MR-O-MICS and the ARC-funded PANC-O-MICS projects. The MR-O-MICS project focuses on exploring ovarian cancer heterogeneity using sophisticated AI algorithms, while the PANC-O-MICS project aims to utilize AI for early detection and detailed evaluation of treatment responses in pancreatic cancer.

The operational framework of the PINKCC Lab is based on three synergistic areas:

1. PreClinical AI: This area involves the use of mouse models and pioneering MRI sequences to gain insights into tumor behavior and responses. The lab's imaging platform in collaboration with Charles Coulomb institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including nano-PET, MRI systems operating at 3T, 4T, and 9.4T, as well as SPECT-CT scanners. Additionally, we have a comprehensive animal core facility to support preclinical research. These resources enable the lab to conduct in-depth studies on tumor physiology and treatment responses in animal models, providing invaluable data for translational research.
2. Microscopic AI: This focuses on the integration of pathomics, radiomics, and various O-mics data to create virtual biopsies, enhancing our understanding of cancer at a microscopic level.
3. Clinical AI: This area is dedicated to incorporating the lab’s discoveries into routine MRI protocols, making these innovations accessible to a wider patient population.

The future of the PINKCC Lab is promising. Our commitment to precision imaging, combined with our innovative integration of clinical imaging data with a multiomics framework, is set to redefine oncological research boundaries. As we continue to harness AI and merge it with our extensive imaging databases, the lab aims to develop increasingly sophisticated predictive models. These models, with their potential to simulate cancer progression and predict treatment outcomes, are expected to become vital tools for clinicians and researchers globally.

In summary, the PINKCC Lab is not merely a research facility; it stands as a symbol of progress and hope. It heralds a future where AI, precision imaging, and multiomics converge to offer a brighter, healthier future for patients and healthcare professionals worldwide.