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Molecular Imaging Program |
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Research teamsMRI Research We are developing new targeted and non-targeted macromolecular imaging agents for use as lymphatic markers, angiogenic markers and surrogate markers for drugs. Gadolinium-labeled dendrimers of various size are synthesized and injected around a tumor. The dendrimers are taken up by the lymphatics and imaged. Dendrimers have the virtue of many binding sites so that many gadolinium ions can be added to each dendrimer. Because dendrimers (or albumin) mimic the molecular diameter of many different drugs they can be used as surrogate drug markers. Optical Imaging Optical imaging is very promising as a guide for surgery and endoscopy. Activatable fluorescent molecules can be targeted to cancer cells whereupon they fluoresce leading to very high tumor to background ratios. Our group is working on activatable optical probes as potential guides during surgery and endoscopy. Radionuclide/PET imaging Radionuclide and PET imaging have sufficient sensitivity to perform true molecular imaging. We have experience with radiolabeling antibodies and will be conducting trials with Indium labeled Herceptin. We are anticipating additional human trials with other growth-factor based antibodies. Preclinical work is underway to verify the utility of this approach and to investigate the role of radioimmunotherapy in the treatment of tumors expressing relevant growth factor receptors. Targeted natural and synthetic peptides is another interest of the laboratory.
Confluence MIP Clinical Trial Site (NIH only ) Imaging Tools in Toxicology Assessment Last edited on July 29, 2008 , by Karen Kurdziel, MD |
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