General Info

The research in our group explores cancer progression, hormonal regulation, development of blood vessels - angiogenesis, and metabolism by means of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. The studies are conducted in human breast, prostate and lung cancer cells and tumors in animal models, as well as in patients. Specific efforts are directed to develop and improve the magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic methods, quantifying spatial changes with time. With these methods we are able to characterize flow and permeability limited perfusion, water and contrast agent diffusion, as well as convection and disparity in perfusion due to interstitial fluid pressure. We also develop means to monitor choline and glucose metabolism, including transport and intracellular conversion, and illuminate the molecular basis for the alteration of these processes by malignant transformation. Currently, MRI sensitive probes which specifically bind to the estrogen receptor are designed in collaboration with professor D. Milstein (Organic Chemistry). These probes are utilized as molecular imaging biomarkers for localizing and quantifying the estrogen receptor.