Oncologic Imaging Program (OIP)

Program Leader: Farrokh Dehdashti, MD, and Daniel Thorek, PhD.

Overview:

The Oncologic Imaging Program (OIP) develops novel imaging agents and innovative methods for radionuclide, MR, ultrasound, optical, and hybrid imaging technologies, including photoacoustic imaging and theranostics. Application of artificial intelligence and informatics platforms to solve advanced oncologic imaging challenges demonstrates the evolving nature of OIP. OIP’s major goals are to facilitate new research initiatives, expand ongoing collaborations, mentor junior faculty, train students and fellows, and develop new methods to solve fundamental and clinical cancer imaging needs. These goals will be achieved through intra- and interprogrammatic activities and external partnerships. OIP’s highest priorities include developing imaging agents and technologies for detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer, and expanding our knowledge of animal models used for basic cancer research.

Aims:

OIP activities will pursue four specific aims.

1. Develop innovative imaging instruments and methods for diagnostic and theranostic applications and image-guided cancer therapies.
2. Develop new molecular imaging agents and theranostics for accurate detection and, assessment of tumorspecific properties as well as for monitoring therapeutic response to improve treatment outcomes.
3. Advance applications of quantitative imaging (QI) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and treatment responses via deep learning and radiomics.
4. Educate, train, and mentor students, fellows, and junior faculty in cancer imaging research.

Recorded program seminars and events are available at this link on WUSTL Box.