Speaker: Prof. Marty Pagel (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Teax )

Title: Molecular Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract:

Tumor acidosis, hypoxia and vascular perfusion are well-known characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. We have developed MRI, PET/MRI, multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) to measure extracellular pH, oxygenation and pharmacokinetics transport rates in solid tumors. We apply these molecular imaging methods to preclinical tumor models, and we have translated some of our methods to evaluate patients who have cancer. We are especially focused on employing molecular imaging to predict treatment effect before starting therapy, and to evaluate the early response to treatment, during evaluations of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This presentation will discuss a variety of molecular imaging methods and research applications, and also discuss a value proposition for molecular imaging.

About the speaker:

Dr. Marty Pagel is a Professor in the Departments of Cancer Systems Imaging and Imaging Physics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. His research in academia and industry has evolved from physical chemistry to molecular imaging. His current research employs a variety of imaging modalities to interrogate biomarkers of the tumor microenvironment. He has developed these methods for pre-clinical and clinical imaging, especially to evaluate cancer therapies. Dr. Pagel has held many leadership positions in molecular imaging, including roles in scientific societies of WMIS, SNMMI and the ISMRM, and serves as the Associate Editor of Radiology. When away from the lab and imaging facilities, Marty enjoys coffee, jazz music, Green Bay Packers football games, and a variety of wilderness adventures.