Leveraging Nanoparticle Interactions with Host Immune Cells to Detect and Treat Cancer

Abstract The goal of this proposal is to support Dr. Preethi Korangath, as a Laboratory Research Specialist at Dr. Robert Ivkov’s laboratory in Johns Hopkins University. With her expertise in mouse models, molecular biology and imaging she will facilitate successful completion of R0-1 projects in unit director’s lab. Dr. Korangath’s successful career is evident through her publications in high impact journals and conference presentations. This Research Specialist Award will provide protected salary support for Dr. Korangath to pursue new directions and developing new technologies that enable early detection and treatment of cancer. Despite advances in cancer treatment and understanding, metastasis remains the main challenge in extending cancer patients' lives. Early detection of metastatic disease is crucial for effective treatment. Developing new imaging modalities to detect micrometastases using magnetic particle imaging (MPI) offers a non-invasive, radiation-free approach with high sensitivity and specificity. This could revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment, improving patient outcomes. However, further understanding of MPI's clinical applications is necessary. Dr. Korangath equipped with expertise in various mouse models and imaging techniques aims to leverage MPI for early metastasis detection and study the role of host cells in cancer progression.