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The Northern Cancer Research Foundation is proud to announce
a grant of $76,000 for a new molecular imaging research project
at Regional Cancer Care. Recipient and lead researcher Dr.
Patrick Rapley is an expert in medical physics and is thrilled
to share his research with the community.
Dr. Rapley is a medical physicist with Regional Cancer Care
and has been engaged in imaging research for nearly a decade.
"This project will investigate the use of molecular magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) with novel contrast agents for the
measurement of individual cellular response to treatment-
specifically, radiation therapy."
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Molecular MRI is uniquely able to identify the efficacy
of treatment, providing the basis for individualized
cancer therapy management. "The sooner we know
what works, the better. This non-invasive tool would
have direct clinical use as well the potential to lay
the foundation for a 3-dimensional biological response
dosimeter," Rapley said.
Dr. Rapley is proud to be conducting this research
in his hometown, Thunder Bay. "It's been amazing
to watch the changing face of research in Northwestern
Ontario. We're on the map, making a difference,"
said Rapley. |
Molecular MRI in conjunction with novel (imaging) contrast
agents can detect cell apoptosis (cell death), and thereby
assess a patient's response to therapy. Physicians are then
able to customize treatment to maximize the cancer-destroying
properties of chemotherapy and radiation and minimize damage
to surrounding healthy tissues.
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"Our cancer research scientists continue to
set the bar higher with every new undertaking and success,"
said Michael Power, VP of Regional Cancer and Diagnostic
Services. "Dr. Rapley's imaging research is innovative
and aligned with the founding projects under the direction
of Dr. John Rowlands, Founding Scientific Director,
at the new Molecular Medicine Research Centre." |
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"Investing in research is having an impact
on our region. We have a lot to be proud of in Thunder
Bay," said Dr. Peter McGhee, Director of Medical
Physics at Regional Cancer Care. "Dr. Rapley's
work is testament to the high-calibre research taking
place right here in Northwestern Ontario." |
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To date, the NCRF has provided over $100,000 to
Dr. Rapley's research projects. "Research such
as Dr. Rapley's generates excitement in the medical
and academic fields as well as our community,"
said Brian McKinnon, Chair of the Board of Directors
for NCRF. The region's generosity has not gone unnoticed.
"100% of funds donated to the NCRF stay in Northwestern
Ontario. Our goal is to improve patient care, further
research and stimulate education and awareness for each
community in our region." |
Research into molecular imaging to measure radiation-induced
apoptosis.
The Medical Physics Laboratory at Regional Cancer Care is
working to develop a means of employing molecular imaging
via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and novel contrast agents
to view the reaction of cells to radiation. The intent is
to provide a means of detecting apoptosis (cell death) to
measure the efficacy of radiation therapy/chemotherapy. Using
novel imaging agents and molecular MRI will aid in individualized
cancer therapy management.
Outline:
- This study initiates molecular imaging with MRI at Thunder
Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre;
- An attempt will be made to establish a relationship between
the level of apoptosis and level of MRI contrast enhancement
as a result of novel imaging contrast agents;
- The non-invasive detection of apoptosis is expected to
be a useful clinical tool for monitoring a patient's response
to therapy;
- Monitoring response early in the treatment regime provides
opportunity to modify approaches, accounting for radiation
resistance of the tumour or hypersensitivity of adjacent
normal or healthy tissue;
- Fulfillment of the objectives of this study will provide
a foundation for the development of a 3-dimensional biological
radiation dosimeter to aid in treatment planning.
TBRHSC
Research Background Information
NCRF Backgound
Information
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