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.

 
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
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