Glatting’s research is aimed at determining the optimal number of unlabelled and radioactively labelled antibodies to be used for the treatment of cancer as well as the ideal time for treatment to take place. It is important to have accurate information because every individual reacts differently to radioactively labelled antibodies. Their distribution in the body, organs and blood differs from individual to individual and can be assessed using sophisticated imaging methods. The method, which is known as radioimmunotherapy, does not affect the healthy tissue of cancer patients since it allows the selective treatment of tumour tissue.

“The well-adjusted modelling of leukaemia treatment to the requirements of each individual patient is more accurate and hence the treatment is more likely to be successful,” said Glatting summarising his research and initial success.

The medical physicist works with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Hospital of Nuclear Medicine as well as in cooperation with doctors from the Hospital of Internal Medicine III at the University Hospital in Ulm. Glatting’s work on the development and improvement of leukaemia therapy using radioimmunotherapy has been funded by German Cancer Aid, the German José Carreras Leukaemia Foundation, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Medical Faculty of the University of Ulm.

Medical physics uses methods derived from physics in medicine and biology. Its growing importance and specialisation led to the foundation of a scientific society in 1969, which currently has 1200 members. The society represents medical physicists working in the field of research, development and application.


Source: University Hospital Ulm, 11 September 2008 (P, wp, 17 September 2008)