Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology, and Theranostics (CMINT)

CANCER MOLECULAR IMAGING, NANOTECHNOLOGY, AND THERANOSTICS (CMINT) RESEARCH PROGRAM ABSTRACT The primary objective of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology, and Theranostics (CMINT) Research Program is to advance translational imaging, nanoparticle design and delivery, and theranostics with the goal of improving cancer patient outcomes. The Program is led by Director Johannes Czernin, MD, and Co-Directors Caius Radu, MD, and Jeffrey Zink, PhD. CMINT has 50 members from 19 departments located within five UCLA schools and affiliate institution Caltech. Program members possess a wide range of synergistic expertise in biology, immunology, nuclear medicine, physics, nanotechnology, urology, radiology, radiation oncology, drug development, engineering, image reconstruction, chemistry, radiochemistry, and animal models of disease. As of 3/1/2024 the Program was supported by $12.4M in direct cost funding, of which $6.4M (51%) is from the NCI and $11.3M (91%) is peer-reviewed. CMINT discoveries led to 952 publications from 2019 – 2023, of which 25% and 35% are intra- and inter-programmatic collaborations, respectively, while 34% result from collaborations with other NCI-designated cancer centers. High impact (IF ≥10) journal publications are 38%. An example of impactful CMINT Program science since 2019 is leadership in two FDA-approved New Drug Applications (NDAs) for a theranostics pair targeting Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), transforming prostate cancer management, diagnostics, and patient care, a priority cancer in the Los Angeles County (LAC) catchment area. Four Specific Aims advance the Program’s objectives: (1) To develop advanced instrumentation, analytical tools, and molecular imaging approaches to investigate tumor biology in vivo; (2) To explore novel nanotechnology-based systems to enable precise immunomodulatory agent delivery and diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring; (3) To investigate immune responses and immunotherapy using novel molecular imaging approaches; and (4) To pursue clinical theranostic approaches, evaluate new theranostic targets, conduct large-scale imaging trials, and overcome resistance mechanisms through rational combination therapies. Program members continue leading the advance of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging towards precision theranostics while building strength in translatable imaging technologies and methodologies. CMINT is committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers, with additional activities with this focus since 2019, including developing and launching in summer 2024 an Imaging and Theranostics Summer Fellowship Program that recruits students from area high schools. CMINT research goals are described in and align with Key Aim 3 of the current 2019 – 2023 and refreshed 2024 – 2028 JCCC Strategic Plans. Program activities collaborate and synergize with JCCC Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) and Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) units, and utilize essential JCCC Shared Resources to achieve Program objectives while also meeting the priorities and evolving needs of LAC residents and communities.