Magnus Dahlbom

Magnus Dahlbom is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he has maintained continuous faculty service since 1989, progressing from Assistant Professor (1989-1996) to Associate Professor (1996-2002) and full Professor (2002–present). His work bridges clinical nuclear medicine and advanced imaging research within UCLA's medical ecosystem.

His academic foundation includes a BSc in Physics from Stockholm University (1982), a PhD in Medical Physics from UCLA (1987), and postdoctoral training at the Karolinska Institute (1987-1989). These credentials established his trajectory in quantitative imaging physics.

Dahlbom's research centers on radionuclide imaging quantification and theranostics, with current emphasis on PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy for prostate cancer. He pioneers methods to integrate PET/SPECT functional imaging with anatomical data for precise radiation dose estimation to tumors and organs. His lab develops computational frameworks to optimize therapeutic dosing—maximizing tumor kill while minimizing normal tissue damage through serial imaging-based pharmacokinetic modeling.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in prostate cancer theranostics, particularly Lu-177-PSMA therapies. Key trends include flexible dosing protocols (FLEX-MRT trials), kidney toxicity monitoring, image reconstruction optimization, and 3D virtual reality surgical planning. His work consistently addresses the clinical translation of quantitative dosimetry for personalized treatment.

He actively mentors graduate students, including current lab member Zach Ells (ZElls@mednet.ucla.edu), focusing on image processing and dosimetry algorithm development. His research is supported by clinical trial infrastructure and likely NIH/DoD grants targeting radiopharmaceutical therapy advancement, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in the source text.

Dahlbom leads a specialized laboratory at UCLA developing next-generation tools for theranostics, including patient-specific 3D anatomical modeling, partial volume correction techniques, and real-time dosimetry systems. His team collaborates extensively with urologic oncology and nuclear medicine clinicians to implement these innovations in prostate cancer treatment pathways.