For more specific information on current research, go to Dan J. Kadrmas and June S. Taylor then follow links to Research Interests

A variety of imaging techniques is used to visualize tumors. Ultrasonography, X-rays, PET, CT and MRI all have their applications but the technique applied depends on what you need to know. For example, PET is often used to scan the whole body for tumor metastases; X-rays are used in breast mammography; CT and MRI may be required to image a brain tumor.

Molecular imaging - PET and MRI

Example microPET images: ¹⁸F- mouse bone scan (left), rat striatal dopamine system (upper right), and healthy rat heart imaged with FDG (lower right). Images courtesy of Crump Institute for Biological Imaging, UCLA.

PET can image gene expression in vivo using a variety of approaches. One such example is enzyme-mediated trapping with the HSV1-tk reporter gene. The HSV1-tk enzyme phosphorylates the radiolabeled reporter probe, in this case [¹⁸F]-FGCV, thereby trapping it in cells where the reporter gene is expressed. Endogenous gene expression can also be imaged by matching the promoter of the endogenous gene of interest to the HSV1-tk reporter gene. Other approaches include receptor-ligand mediated trapping and RASON binding to mRNA. [Diagram courtesy of Gary T. Smith, M.D.]

Breast Cancer

Osteosarcomas