General Research Interest
Pharmaceuticals for biochemically targeted imaging and radiotherapy of cancer.Research Description
Creation of new molecularly targeted pharmaceuticals that are visualized in vivo via any diagnostic imaging technologies: CT, MRI, Nuclear, Ultrasound or Light imaging. Synthetic, analytical, and radio-chemistry, and cell and small animal biology and micro imaging are practiced. The goals of most projects are targeted imaging agents that are closely enough biochemically associated with the therapy that the therapy can be patient personalized. Primary focus is on cancer with a special interest in breast, prostate and neuroendocrine cancers, particularly as targeted with peptides. Current projects include several that use small hormonal peptide targets like Gastrin Releasing Peptide, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, et. al.; and intra-operative surgical guidance with imaging. Collaborations are welcome involving existing or new cancer targets. Transinstitutional Work
Work is ongoing with The Wright Center for Innovation in Imaging on hybrid imaging instrumentation, particularly SPECT/CT and PET/MRI co-registered dual function imager development. My experience in imaging pharmaceuticals will contribute to the development of drugs specifically tailored to these new instruments. The imaging agents laboratory also participates with the Wright Center of Innovation in Biomedical Imaging and Cardinal Health in creation of a PET Center. The molecular imaging agents laboratory operates within the department of radiology, and is associated with the James CCCC and The Wright Center of Innovation in Biomedical Imaging, and collaborating with Bioengineering and other departments at the university. The lab will focus on basic and translational research projects where molecular imaging is very closely associated with targeted molecular therapy, such a therapeutic drug monitoring, systemic targeted radiotherapeutics, image directed nanodevices, and image guided surgery.