James P. Basilion, PhD

My laboratory concentrates on research related to the development and application of Molecular Imaging technologies. Specifically, we are interested in designing novel imaging tools to image individual and multiple molecular markers of disease. We believe that imaging tissues based on underlying molecular rather than macromolecular differences will result in a substantial increase in the sensitivity and specificity of medical imaging. Some areas of active research include: the development of bio-marker targeted radiosensitizers to MR image and sensitize diseased tissue to radiation therapy;  the development of bio-marker targeted fluorescence imaging agents to aid in visualization of cancer during surgery resulting in more complete resection of tumors; the development of bio-marker targeted fluorescence combination agents suitable to guide surgery and deliver therapy; the development of paradigms to image multiple markers of disease simultaneously; the development of bio-maker targeted radio ligand therapy (RLT) to combat metastatic disease in prostate and breast cancer; and the development of theranostic agents for therapeutic intervention into cancer and stimulation of the immune system to attack cancer.