MHH: New whole-body imaging device aims to improve cancer diagnoses

As of: January 24, 2026 7:17 a.m

A device that is unique in Germany is intended to improve cancer diagnoses at the Hannover Medical School (MHH). According to the information, the total body PET/CT takes whole body images in less than a minute.

According to the MHH, it is only the fourth device of its kind in the world. It combines the two imaging techniques positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). The system works faster, more precisely and with lower radiation exposure than conventional PET/CT systems, according to the medical school. The device can create three-dimensional images of almost the entire human body in a single examination step. “It opens up new possibilities for us in health care because we simply know a lot more about patients much more gently and much more quickly,” said Lower Saxony’s Science Minister Falko Mohrs (SPD).

MHH: Advantage especially for children and patients suffering from pain

According to the Department of Nuclear Medicine, the new device captures a field of view of up to one and a half meters. Current systems only cover around 25 centimeters, which is why several individual shots are necessary. The new technology makes more accurate images possible with a shorter examination time and lower radiation exposure, it goes on to say. This is an advantage, especially for children or patients suffering from pain. “What previously took almost half an hour for the patient in the tube now takes five minutes or even just one,” said clinic director Frank Bengel on Friday. With the new technology, the images are also better than before.

The device is also intended to help test new medications

According to the MHH, total body PET/CT is used, among other things, in cancer, heart, immune and brain diagnostics. The technology is also intended to provide new insights, for example for testing and developing medications.

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NDR 1 Lower Saxony | Current | 01/24/2026 | 07:00 am

What is Molecular Histological Imaging (MHH) and how does it differ from customary cancer imaging methods?

MHH: New Whole-Body Imaging Device Aims to Improve Cancer Diagnoses

The landscape of cancer detection is undergoing a critically important shift wiht the emergence of Molecular histological Imaging (MHH). This innovative, non-invasive technology promises earlier and more accurate cancer diagnoses, potentially revolutionizing patient care and outcomes. Unlike traditional imaging techniques, MHH delves deeper, visualizing disease at a molecular level.

Understanding Molecular Histological Imaging

MHH isn’t a single technology, but rather a platform integrating advanced microscopy, computational analysis, and targeted molecular probes. it aims to overcome limitations of current methods like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, which frequently enough detect tumors only after they’ve reached a significant size.

Here’s how it effectively works:

1. Targeted Probes: Specifically engineered molecules, designed to bind to cancer-specific biomarkers, are introduced into the body. These biomarkers are unique indicators of cancerous activity.
2. Whole-Body Scanning: A specialized scanner detects the location and concentration of these probes throughout the entire body. This provides a comprehensive view, identifying even small clusters of cancerous cells.
3. Image Reconstruction & Analysis: Refined algorithms reconstruct a detailed, three-dimensional image. artificial intelligence (AI) then analyzes the image, differentiating between healthy and cancerous tissue with remarkable precision.
4. Histological-Level Detail: The resulting images provide information approaching the detail of a traditional biopsy – but without the invasiveness.

How MHH Differs from Existing Cancer Imaging

Traditional imaging focuses on anatomical changes – the physical size and shape of tumors. MHH, however, focuses on functional and molecular changes – the underlying biological processes driving cancer development. This distinction is crucial for several reasons:

* Early detection: MHH can identify cancerous activity at the cellular level, frequently enough years before anatomical changes are visible.This opens the door for preventative interventions and significantly improved survival rates.

* Improved Accuracy: By targeting specific biomarkers, MHH reduces the risk of false positives and false negatives, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

* Personalized Medicine: The specific biomarkers targeted can be tailored to an individual’s cancer type and genetic profile, enabling a more personalized treatment approach.

* Reduced Biopsy Needs: The detailed information provided by MHH may reduce the need for invasive biopsies in some cases, minimizing patient discomfort and risk.

applications across Cancer Types

While still in its developmental stages, MHH shows promise across a wide range of cancers. Current research is heavily focused on:

* Lung Cancer: Early detection is critical for lung cancer survival. MHH’s ability to identify subtle molecular changes in the lungs could dramatically improve outcomes.

* Breast Cancer: MHH can potentially differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive breast cancers, guiding treatment decisions and avoiding needless interventions.

* prostate Cancer: Accurate staging of prostate cancer is essential for effective treatment. MHH offers a non-invasive way to assess the extent of disease.

* Metastatic Cancer: Identifying distant metastases is crucial for managing advanced cancer. MHH’s whole-body scanning capability makes it ideal for this purpose.

* Leukemia & Lymphoma: Detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) – small numbers of cancer cells remaining after treatment – is vital for preventing relapse. MHH is being explored as a tool for highly sensitive MRD detection.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in MHH

AI is integral to the success of MHH.The sheer volume of data generated by whole-body scanning requires sophisticated algorithms to analyze and interpret. AI algorithms are trained to:

* Identify Biomarker Patterns: Recognize subtle patterns of biomarker expression that indicate cancerous activity.

* Differentiate Healthy from Diseased Tissue: Accurately distinguish between normal and cancerous cells, even in complex tissues.

* Predict Treatment Response: Analyze biomarker profiles to predict how a patient is highly likely to respond to different therapies.

* Automate Image Analysis: Reduce the workload for radiologists and pathologists, speeding up the diagnostic process.

Current Clinical Trials and Future Outlook

Several clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MHH in various cancer types. Early results are encouraging, demonstrating the potential of this technology to improve cancer detection and treatment.

The future of MHH looks shining. Researchers are working to:

* Develop New Molecular Probes: Expand the range of biomarkers that can be targeted, improving the sensitivity and specificity of MHH.

* Improve Scanner Technology: Enhance the resolution and speed of MHH scanners, making them more accessible and efficient.

* Integrate with Existing Imaging Modalities: Combine MHH with traditional imaging techniques to provide a more comprehensive diagnostic picture.

* Reduce Costs: Make MHH more affordable and accessible to patients worldwide.

Benefits of Early and Accurate Cancer Diagnosis with MHH

The potential benefits of widespread MHH adoption are substantial:

* Increased Survival Rates: Earlier detection leads to earlier treatment, significantly improving survival rates.

* Reduced Treatment Intensity: Accurate staging allows for more targeted therapies, minimizing the need for aggressive treatments.

* Improved quality of Life: Less invasive diagnoses and more personalized treatments can improve patients’ quality of life.

* Lower Healthcare Costs: Early detection and preventative interventions can reduce the overall cost of cancer care.

MHH represents a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics.By moving beyond anatomical imaging and embracing the power of molecular biology and artificial intelligence, this technology has the potential to transform the way we detect, diagnose, and treat cancer.