SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Generation of high-resolution 3D anatomic and dynamic images without exposing patients to ionizing radiation renders MRI the preferred imaging modality for the detection of tumor extent and treatment response to neo-adjuvant and adjuvant medical therapies. The goal of this proposal is to develop a non-invasive, in vivo imaging-based platform that can repeatedly generate three-dimensional molecular and cellular maps of a tumor and its environment (TME) at different time points for diagnosis and treatment prediction/response. We propose to establish a robust, sensitive MRI technique to longitudinally interrogate, quantify and multi-dimensionally map the expression and distribution of diagnostic tumor biomarkers and tumor microenvironment biomarkers. Our proposed studies in precision imaging with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy address major medical gaps including early detection of small lesions and heterogeneity of biomarker expression, especially for high risk patients, and offer means to monitor dynamic changes of biomarkers and tumor environment during disease progression, and following treatment with applications in image- guided interventions. The proposed technologies are broadly applicable to many types of solid tumors and metastases, but concerted efforts will be first directed towards breast cancer: one of the most aggressive cancers among women worldwide.
