Mission

The goals of the Molecular Imaging (MI) Program include the development and testing of new imaging methods ranging from preclinical work on the synthesis of new probes and development of new devices to the clinical evaluation of imaging approaches to assess cancer risk, detect cancer, guide treatment and monitor therapy. These imaging methods are aimed at improving our understanding of cancer physiology and providing for the integration of these findings to ultimately improve the assessment of cancer and its treatment. To achieve these goals we have two themes. 

Scientific Themes

  • Theme 1. Synthesis of new imaging agents for metabolism and drug pharmacodynamics
  • Theme 2. Implement and test new imaging agents and methods for risk assessment, detection, guidance and assessment of the response to therapy
  • Theme 3. Develop and test novel instrumentation for molecular imaging

Program Activities

The MI Program works to bring investigators together to expand collaborative activities with members of our program and other programs through:

  • Monthly program meetings which include speakers from within the MI Program, speakers from related disciplines and invited outside speakers. 
  • Joint meetings or mini-retreats with other programs to highlight particular areas of collaboration. 
  • Yearly retreats are held for the program to further foster collaboration among members
  • Organization of working groups to evaluate joint projects including multi-investigator pilot projects, protocols, and grants. 

Program Leaders

  • Nerissa Viola, Ph.D.

    Leader, Molecular Imaging Program
    Karmanos Cancer Institute
    Wayne State University School of Medicine

  • Anthony Shields, M.D., Ph.D.

    Co-Leader, Molecular Imaging Program
    Karmanos Cancer Institute
    Wayne State University School of Medicine

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