Graduate Seminar Series: Molecular Stream – Brendan Samaroo

Graduate Seminar Series: Molecular Stream
Graduate Seminar Series for the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This day is for molecular stream presenters.
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Presentation Title: An Adaptable Permeable Tissue Mimicking Phantom for Realistic Tumor Representation, Calibration, and Validation in DCE imaging
Abstract:
The concept of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging in combination with pharmacokinetic modeling of contrast agents (CA) is becoming an important tool in assessing a given tissue’s response to targeted interventions and the efficacy of drug delivery mechanisms . To calibrate DCE imaging and validate tracer pharmacokinetics, such as perfusion, vascular permeability, diffusion and convection, 3D structures known as phantoms are required to replace the need for tumors, providing a simplified and controlled test environment . There are two main caveats with contemporary phantoms, 1) they do not precisely represent the tumor microenvironment and microvasculature and 2) phantoms are constructed with non-tissue mimicking materials . Based on this, the goal of this project is to improve on phantom design and validate its imaging functionality using tracers of varying molecular weights, expanding upon traditional proof-of-concept methods.
It is hypothesized: implementing features of a highly disorganized capillary network, representative of abnormal tissues, in a novel hydrogel phantom, then we should be capable of obtaining accurate and reproducible tracer kinetics through the tumor space, allowing for the testing of image-derived pharmacokinetics.
This study will optimize phantom usage in radiation oncology and introduce a new 3D-printed/bio-printed adaptable phantom design that can expand scope and assess image-based pharmacokinetics of other nanoparticles, chemotherapeutics, and anti-cancer drugs through an apparatus that closely represents characteristics of the tumor space, highlighting its transdisciplinary nature. Subsequently this will allow exploration how past, present, and future treatments behave, and indicate potential drug-related inefficiencies, within the tumor microenvironment.
Supervisor Name: Catherine Coolens
Supervisor Name: Catherine Coolens
Year of Study: 4
Program of Study: PhD
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610372821?pwd=azd4SCtYVWtreVovaGNPV1c2NGY2Zz09
Meeting ID: 896 1037 2821
Password: 483329
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