A Vision of the Future: Practical Strategy for Breast Cancer Eradication
In this application, we have a multidisciplinary approach to develop innovative new nanoparticle-based, molecular-specific approaches to breast cancer detection and treatment. The projects we are pursuing are based on the use of nanoshells, which we believe have the potential to radically transform how breast cancer is detected, diagnosed, and treated. Rather than pursuing incremental advances to current technology, we propose an exciting new approach to breast cancer detection and treatment that offers the following specific advantages relative to the current standard of care:
- earlier detection: An optical imaging strategy to locate tumors only 1 mm in size, using gold nanoshells as contrast agents. Mammograms typically find tumors at least 1 cm in size at which time a tumor has been growing for six to seven years.
- sensitivity to both molecular and morphological information: Our images reflect not only the morphology of the tissue but also biochemical features including tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin content. By developing novel targeted nanoparticle-based optical contrast agents, we additionally provide the capacity for in vivo molecular imaging.
- noninvasive, rapid imaging which does not require breast compression or ionizing radiation: Our technology is safe and comfortable for the patient.
- integrated detection and treatment: It is our vision that in a single visit to a health care provider, our technology could be used to image the molecular and morphological features of the breast, provide real-time diagnosis of pathology, and if appropriate, provide same visit treatment based on the use of non-surgical photothermal ablation methods to specifically destroy a detected tumor without harming surrounding normal tissue.
Faculty
Naomi Halas
Jennifer West
Dr. Rebekah Drezek
Dr. Renata Pasqualini
Funding
DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program: Innovator Award
