Research Projects 2005-2008

1) Dr. Martin Pomper (Johns Hopkins University)

Key Accomplishment: 
Developed a new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agent, and preliminary results are so promising that they warranted human imaging.  The potential of this work was recognized by the grant from the prestigious Patrick Walsh Foundation and the National Institute of Health, which provided further funding for its continuation.

Timeline of Accomplishment: 
Within one year after funding.

AdMeTech’s Impact on the attraction of talented investigators into prostate imaging:
Dr. Pomper, one of the leaders of molecular imaging, had not been involved with prostate imaging until he participated in AdMeTech Foundation’s Brain Trust meeting of August 2001; since that time, prostate imaging has become the major focus of his research.

2) Dr. Angelo DeMarzo (Johns Hopkins University)\

Key Accomplishment: 
Dr. DeMarzo’s team successfully identified molecular markers for the AMACR gene, and demonstrated their specificity to prostate cancer, as opposed to benign tissue.   In addition, Dr. DeMarzo created a vector system for the delivery of imaging agents for the visualization the AMACR gene in vivo.  Sufficient sensitivity of this novel imaging method to detect prostate cancer was achieved in animal models.  The exciting promise of this research was recognized by the award from the National Medical Association at its 2005 Annual Meeting.

Timeline of Accomplishment: 
Within one year after funding.

AdMeTech’s Impact on the attraction of talented investigators into prostate imaging:
Dr. De Marzo, one of the pioneers of molecular pathology of prostate cancer, was not involved in prostate imaging until he participated in our brain trusts and public conferences, starting in 1999.

3) Dr. Kimberly Kelly and Dr. Ralph Weissleder (Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School)

Key Accomplishment: 
Dr. Kelly’s team pioneered an imaging method that targeted the visualization of the molecular marker Hepsin.  Dr. Kelly discovered that the Hepsin specific peptide was able to bind selectively to prostate cancer. The results indicate the breakthrough potential of this imaging method: The Hepsin-specific peptide was able to diagnose prostate cancer with a specificity of 100 percent, a false positive rate of 0percent, and a false negative rate of 0percent.

Timeline of Accomplishment: 
Within one year after funding.

AdMeTech’s Impact on the attraction of talented investigators into prostate imaging:
Dr. Kelly is a member of the world-leading molecular imaging team of Dr. Weissleder. This funding made it possible for her to focus on this exciting project in prostate imaging.