Principal Investigators:
Scott Britz-Cunningham, MD, PhD - Molecular targeting for diagnosis and therapy
Marcelo Di Carli, MD - Nuclear Cardiology
Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS - Cardiac stress imaging
Victor H Gerbaudo, PhD - Nuclear Oncology
Alun G Jones, PhD - Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
Amin I Kassis, PhD - Radiation Biology Laboratory
Marie F Kijewski, PhD - Nuclear Medicine Physics
Stephen C Moore, PhD - Nuclear Medicine Physics
Annick D Van den Abbeele, MD - Nuclear Oncology
Both clinical and investigative research are conducted within the Division of Nuclear Medicine.
Clinical Research:
Clinical research focuses on imaging the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human disease. The efforts include both in vitro laboratory research and in vivo imaging, with direct impact on the diagnostic and therapeutic decisions that affect our patients.
SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) techniques are being applied to neurology, cardiology, and oncology in an effort to understand elusive pathophysiological processes.
Investigative Research:
Investigative research does not directly impact patients, though it is performed with the intention of eventual clinical application. SPECT research is focused on the brain and heart. Its applications include myocardial ischemia and viability, Alzheimer’s disease, tumor imaging in patients with suspected recurrent brain tumors, and cerebral blood flow deficits associated with cocaine abuse, dementia, and systemic diseases. These data are being used to develop methods for quantitative measurement and image fusion.
PET oncology research in focused on the study of the metabolic aggressiveness of different types of tumors. Its application is currently being studied in malignant pleural mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer, among others.
PET cardiology research in focused on the study of myocardial viability and autonomic dysfunction.
The Radiopharmacy is responsible for daily preparation of radiopharmaceuticals for use in the clinical units. Ongoing research is related to further development of tissue-targeted diagnostic pharmaceuticals. The lab is currently concentrating on the cellular uptake and retention mechanisms of 99mTc-labeled myocardial perfusion agents.
Research in the Division's Radiation Biology Laboratory is focused on the biologic effects and therapeutic potential of radioactive particles and delivery systems.
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