Ongoing Research

Cervical Cancer

“Advanced diffusion MRI for evaluating early response to radiation treatment in cervical cancer”

In this NCI-funded MERIT Award, our group is developing an MRI technique for evaluating how cervical tumors respond to radiation treatment, both before and after therapy. The protocol is being optimized with AI and machine learning modeling and includes a focus on high-resolution assessment of parametrical invasion of cervical cancer.

Breast Cancer

“Non-contrast screening MRI for breast cancer in high-risk patients”

Our lab is developing a high-resolution, non-contrast breast MRI screening protocol based on advanced diffusion MRI. The goal is to reduce unnecessary invasive biopsies by creating a virtual biopsy tool that can distinguish benign high-risk lesions and predict tumor nuclear grade.

Ovarian cancer

“MRI screening for ovarian cancer in high-risk patients”

With funding from the inaugural Curebound Cureprize, we are developing a reliable MRI-based ovarian cancer screening tool for patients at high risk. The aim is to delay or eliminate the need for prophylactic oophorectomy by enabling earlier, more precise detection through advanced diffusion MRI and preliminary tumor genetic profiling.

“Comprehensive ovarian cancer screening with extracellular vesicle blood markers and MRI”

With funding from Curebound through a targeted award, we are doing a pilot study combining advanced MRI imaging with Bekenbio’s extracellular vesicle blood tumor marker to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these two technologies together for ovarian cancer screening.

“Predictive model for ovarian cancer early detection using multiparametric MRI and cell-free DNA”

We have started a collaboration with Dr. Salhia Bodour at USC. This collaboration integrates multiparametric quantitative MRI with OvaPrint, a cell-free DNA methylation blood test, to build a predictive early detection model for ovarian cancer. The combination of imaging and liquid biopsy biomarkers aims to improve diagnostic accuracy before symptoms arise.

“Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation of indeterminate ovarian lesions”

With funding from the Canary Foundation, and in collaboration with Ahmed El Kaffas, we are developing novel applications for contrast-enhanced ultrasound as a tool for detecting STIC lesions- the precursor to ovarian cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes- with the goal of achieving the earliest possible detection of ovarian cancer.

Mammography

“Transforming mammography with STARLIGHT monochromatic X-ray imaging”

In collaboration with Imagine Scientific, this project is completing development and clinical testing of STARLIGHT, a next-generation monochromatic X-ray mammography system. The study evaluates image quality, radiation dose relative to conventional mammography, and FDA safety requirements.