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.

 
IN THE HEADLINES
AWARD WINNING IMAGING RESEARCH ADDRESSES THE FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGE IN PROSTATE CANCER CARE AS FRAMED BY CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON MAY 4,2010
  Press Coverage
  Lauterbur Award
US CONGRESS HOLDS HISTORIC HEARING ON PROSTATE CANCER, ADMETECH WILL TESTIFY.
  Press Release
  Hearing Announcement
  AdMeTech Testifies
  NBC Coverage
  C-Span Coverage
  USA today
REP. CUMMINGS INTRODUCES THE $650 MILLION PRIME ACT IN RESPONSE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING.
  Press Coverage
US CONGRESS APPROVES $1.6 MILLION FOR ADMETECH'S RESEARCH PROGRAMS
  Coverage
SENATOR BOXER URGES US CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE PROSTATE CANCER IMAGING AND MEN’S EDUCATION (PRIME) ACT
  Congressional Record
  Letter to US Senate
  Prime Act
CUMMINGS, WAXMAN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF US CONGRESS URGE NCI / NIH TO FUND PROSTATE IMAGING
  Letter
  Press Release
US CONGRESS PASSES HISTORIC RESOLUTION CALLING FOR INCREASED NATIONAL INVESTMENT IN PROSTATE CANCER IMAGING
  Press Release
  Resolution
  Coverage by Roll Call
June 12, 2008
  Rep. Elijah Cummings Successfully Introduces House Resolution 353 (Video)
ADMETECH HOLDS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS DAY AT MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
  Program
  Press Release
  Coverage
  Photos
MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE RECOGNIZES ADMETECH FOR PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS DAY
  Resolution
BOSTON CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES ADMETECH FOR ITS ONGOING EFFORTS IN AWARENESS AND RESEARCH
  Resolution
  Photos
PRESIDENT OBAMA DECLARES SEPTEMBER, 2009 AS NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
  Press Release
WALL STREET JOURNAL COVERS PROSTATE CANCER IMAGING AND ITS ROLE IN:
  Accurate diagnosis - Part I
March 31, 2009
  Treatment - Part II
April 7, 2009
  Watchful waiting - Part III
April 17, 2009
NBC COVERS THE NEED TO CREATE LIFE-SAVING PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSTICS
  Coverage
FOX BUSINESS NEWS COVERS "THE MANOGRAM PROJECT" & THE NEED FOR NATIONAL INVESTMENT IN PROSTATE CANCER RESEARCH
  Coverage
ADMETECH’S CONSENSUS CONFERENCE OF JANUARY, 2009 BRINGS TOGETHER WORLD EXPERTS
  Agenda
  Faculty Members
  Consensus Statement
  Signed Letter to NIH and NCI
  Coverage by Reuters
Additional News Items
News Archive