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In my laboratory, we take a comprehensive approach in developing
multifunctional nanoparticle-based platforms for imaging and therapy with our
primary focus aimed at developing novel agents for cancer.
Our research outline includes use of high throughput genomic and proteomic
analysis on clinical pediatric tissue samples to identify molecular targets for
imaging and therapy. Once these targets are identified, ligands that bind these
molecules are synthesized. We have developed a nanoparticle-based platform for
attaching these ligands; thus creating targeted imaging and/or therapeutic
agents. These targeted nanoparticles are first tested in vitro and used in in
vivo models, as molecular imaging probes. Visualization and quantitative
evaluation of these targeted nanoparticles in vivo through molecular imaging,
will provide information on the bio-distribution and accumulation of probes at
the site of interest. Subsequently, we design therapeutic approaches including
delivery of targeted chemo or radioactive agents, or non-viral-based genes.
This is a powerful new approach that uses molecular imaging for identifying
patients that will respond to treatment prior to choosing the best treatment
regiment. We have successfully used this approach to image tumor vasculature in
models of primary brain tumors, and metastatic disease to the liver and lung. A
modified form of these nanoparticles was then used for an antiangiogenic
therapeutic approach to the tumor vasculature. We are currently testing the
efficacy of this therapy in models of meduloblastma.
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