Research Projects Currently in Progress 2007-2009

Based on the March 2006 Brain Trust meeting, the following new projects have been developed and selected for the 2008-2010 research program:

1. To improve visualization of fundamental biology of prostate cancer, using optical, real-time in vivo microscopic imaging technology.
2. To optimize thermal ablation of prostate cancer by applying functional quantitative MRI; and
3. To develop and test high-resolution, high-field 3T MRI for early detection of prostate cancer.

1) Dr. Mark Rosen (University of Pennsylvania)
Key Goal:  To identify whether ultrahigh resolution, experimental high-field (3 Tesla) MRI improves localization and staging of prostate cancer. 

2) Dr. Ulrich von Andrian (Harvard Medical School)
Key Goal: To develop a murine imaging model to visualize transplanted prostate tumors at single cell resolution using unique multiphoton intravital microscopy developed in Dr. Van Andrian’s laboratory with other funding. They hypothesize that this model will allow for the dynamic monitoring of tumor cell death in response to treatment. If successful, this approach will be more broadly applicable to monitoring efficacy or novel therapies for prostate cancer at a single cell level.

AdMeTech’s Impact on the attraction of talented investigators into prostate imaging:
Dr. van Andrian did not consider applying his unique optical technology to prostate cancer until he and his team participated in the AdMeTech’s Brain Trust meetings in 2006.

3)  Drs. Nathan McDannold & Clare Tempany (Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School) 
Key Goals: Test to see whether image-guided, minimally-invasive thermal ablation methods for the treatment of prostate cancer can be improved by applying functional MRI techniques to assess tissue perfusion, oxygenation, and temperature before and after treatment.  These studies will have the potential to substantially improve such thermal therapies through optimization of treatment planning and monitoring.

AdMeTech’s Impact on the attraction of talented investigators into prostate imaging:
As the result of this funding, Dr. McDannold, who has been leading the field of focal ultrasound, focused on MRI-guided thermal ablation of prostate cancer.