Research Statement
Our research program focusses on the use and development of molecular imaging and nanobiotechnology tools to refine the way we visualize, treat and manage cancer and other diseases. We implement multimodal molecular imaging technologies, in particular, positron emission tomography, computer tomography, and optical and optoacoustic imaging to interrogate the biophysical microenvironment of a disease before, during and after treatment. We also harness these technologies to delineate the pharmacokinetics of macromolecular and nanomaterials-based therapies in vivo at multiple spatio-temporal length scales. By using cutting-edge technologies, we intend to: 1) enable biology-guided modulation of the disease microenvironment to convert non-responders to responders, and 2), guide rational design of effective and innovative therapies; which will have outstanding impact on biological and medical sciences.
Research Keywords
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Theranostics
- Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
- Molecular Imaging
- Imaging Biomarkers
Research Interests
My research program focusses on the use and development of advanced molecular imaging and nanobiotechnology tools to refine the way we visualize, treat, and manage cancer and other diseases. We are particularly interested in developing quantitative radiological biomarkers to interrogate dysregulated vasculature, hypoxia, and stroma; biological processes that dictate disease progression, treatment response and resistance, in several physiological and pathological conditions. Noninvasive and longitudinal assessments of these biomarkers can provide high impact by 1) differentiating responders from non-responders, 58 before or soon after treatment has started, and 2) enabling biology-guided modulation of the disease microenvironment to convert non-responders to responders, for a truly personalized approach.
We are also interested in applying multiscale imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography, computer tomography, optical and optoacoustic imaging, and highresolution microscopy, to quantitatively visualize the pharmacokinetics of biomolecular and nanomaterials-based therapies. Precise evaluations of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of established and investigational therapies can guide rational reverse-engineering of effective and innovative nextgeneration therapies, which are poised to have an outstanding impact on basic and translational pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.