THÖNY Harriet
Professor
Professor Thoeny and her research team are dedicated to advancing the field of medical imaging, especially prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the detection and monitoring of clinically significant prostate cancer. By exploring cutting-edge functional imaging techniques and extracting quantitative data, they aim to refine diagnostic accuracy and enhance treatment strategies for this prevalent disease. Their research efforts are closely integrated with the Centre de la prostate de Fribourg, ensuring that discoveries are rapidly translated into clinical practice for immediate patient benefit. The research team is a multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from various medical and scientific fields, including radiology, pathology, urology, and pharmaceutical sciences. This diverse expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to prostate cancer research, considering its complexities from different angles. The various projects are viewed as excellent opportunities to blend clinical experience with research, particularly for radiology residents pursuing their doctoral theses. Supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation, the team's current focus is on leveraging advanced imaging parameters to identify clinically significant prostate cancer and monitor disease progression in patients undergoing active surveillance. By integrating state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning algorithms, they aim to develop more accurate and reliable methods for diagnosing and managing prostate cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.