UW Translational Imaging Biomarker and Therapeutic Development
- Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)
The development and validation of radiotracers is a critical step in the clinical translation of molecular imaging and theranostics to support personalized medicine. The proposed program is to support such efforts by an interdisciplinary team of investigators at the University of Washington (UW) and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) and to provide opportunities for trainees to learn the spectrum of translational research in imaging biomarkers and therapeutic development. The proposed translational research projects include "Preclinical Evaluation of PET Imaging for Use in the Translation of Targeted Alpha Therapy of Blood-Related Cancers to Clinical Studies" (Project 1-Wilbur, leader); "Hypoxia Imaging: Radiopharmaceuticals, Preclinical Studies, Mechanisms and Clinical trials" (Project 2-Krohn, leader); and "Diagnostic Applications of Radiolabeled Biologics in Solid Tumors" (Project 3-Minoshima, leader). These projects use radiotracers with long half-lives, such as F-18, Zr-89, I-124, and At-211, that can potentially be handled commercially if translation research is successful. The proposed research method is to use an interdisciplinary 'team' of expert investigators and trainees working on a specific project for 1 or 2 years along the timeline and milestones set by the Program Directors. Each team includes 1) a clinician expert; 2) a radiochemistry expert; 3) an imaging or radiation therapy expert; 4) a physicist; 5) trainees; and 6) a UW technology transfer officer. Two groups of trainees will be involved: clinical and basic science (radiochemistry) trainees. Clinical trainees will be recruited from 3 training programs: Nuclear Medicine Resident Program; Radiology Residency Program; and Residency Program in Radiation Oncology. Basic science trainees will be graduate students from degree-awarding departments (chemistry, material sciences, bioengineering) or post-doctoral students (radiology, radiation oncology, or collaborating departments). A goal of training is to develop future investigators who will be able to conduct independent translational research with knowledge and expertise earned in this interdisciplinary team environment. To address clinically relevant questions, the program will organize regular brainstorming meetings participated by clinicians from various medical disciplines; program investigators; trainees; technology transfer officers to discuss medical questions, relevant targets, and technical feasibility. UW provides outstanding research and clinical facilities and resources that can be accessed by investigators. The Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology at UW have been at the forefront of translational imaging and therapeutics research efforts in cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. This funding opportunity will solidify ongoing efforts of interdisciplinary collaborations at UW into a cohesive program that will train a new generation of investigators. This will, in turn, accelerate the translational potential of new radiotracers by rapid developments of proof-of-concept and first-in-man studies along with in vivo validations in a clinically relevant context.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0012445
- OSTI ID:
- 1484499
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/UW/FINAL-01
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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