Simone Janssen

Fluorescence Lifetime (FLT) Imaging calculates the time-behavior of fluorescent light. This technique has long been used in microscopy but has recently also become available for macroscopic imaging. It is suggested that the FLT is mainly dependent on the environment of a contrast agent. In my current research, I am investigating the added value of FLT imaging compared to fluorescence intensity imaging for both molecular shielded- and non-shielded dyes. Because of promising preclinical results in mice, we are now starting clinical trials in pets with cancer to assess the sensitivity and specificity of this technique for intra-operative cancer margin assessment and identification of cancer cells. The current ongoing study uses the near-infrared contrast agent indocyanine green. 
Besides the macroscopic FLT imaging studies, microscopic studies are ongoing to assess whether FLT differences between tissue types and healthy versus disease exist only due to micro(environmental) factors or also cell-specific characteristics. 
 

I graduated as a Veterinary Surgeon from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University. I'm part of an FWO SBO project and currently affiliated with both Ghent University as the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, to unravel the possibilities of macroscopic FLT imaging. I have experience in spectroscopic analysis of dyes, fluorescence (lifetime) imaging on a macroscopic and microscopic level, preclinical studies in mice, clinical investigations in pets and clinical trials in veterinary medicine.
 

• Address: Small Animal Department (DI09), Faculty of Veterinary Meddicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke
• Simone Janssen is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks