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The rapid advances now
possible allow us to virtually see into
the body in minute detail in real time
visualizing simultaneously the body’s
physiologic functions, almost like a science
fiction movie from the past. |
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Advances in the field of
radiology are among the greatest, most influential
forces in medicine over the last three decades. The
pace of discovery resounds with Nobel Prizes awarded
for developments in computer assisted tomography (Nobel
in Medicine, 1979), nuclear magnetic resonance (Nobel
in Chemistry, 1991) and magnetic resonance imaging
(Nobel in Medicine, 2003). Our enlightened ability
to study the physical, chemical and biological properties
of matter, as well as to peer inside the living body,
provides a tremendous resource for virtually all branches
of medicine.
At the University of Chicago, researchers
and clinicians push existing modalities (such as CT,
MRI, and positron emission tomography, or PET) to
their full potential and develop novel imaging techniques
and technologies to accelerate patient care. Their
work yields enhanced screening and detection, earlier
diagnosis and treatment, and the exquisite ability
to monitor the often stealthy progress of disease.
As medical imaging moves beyond anatomy, one is deeply
moved not only by what we can now see, but by the
powerful nature of our newfound ability to see it.
These tools now enable us to witness the inner workings
– the physiology, and even the biochemistry
– of the human body.
Until the development of computerized
tomography, ordinary X-ray examination of the head
discerned only the skull structure, and brain surgery
was exploratory, painful, and risky. Today, world-class
experts at Chicago use image guided surgery—real
time overlay of three-dimensional (3-D) magnetic resonance
(MR) and computed tomography (CT) onto a surgeon’s
view through the operating microscope to navigate
tissue, nerves and vessels, with the resulting ability
to safely remove entire brain tumors while sparing
normal, healthy tissue. When a tumor is particularly
deep within the brain or close to speech or motor
areas, a functional MRI makes it possible to see,
prior to surgery, which parts of the brain are used
when an individual performs a variety of cognitive,
language, motor or sensory tasks. The neurosurgeon,
using this unique, 3-D interior portrait, can then
map-out the best route for an individual’s surgery.
Chicago’s radiology chairman
Richard Baron leads a group of premier investigators
working at the forefront of diagnostic imaging and
interventional procedures, like those used in neuro-navigation.
Interfacing with biologists, engineers, physicists
and others—including industrial partners—these
investigators improve image speed and resolution,
manipulation and interpretation, and thus optimize
their medical interventions.
Scientist Gregory Karczmar, for
example, investigates a pulse sequencing approach
for optimal imaging of blood vessels and vascular
networks in small animals that can identify if a tumor
is responding, at the cellular level, to treatment.
He has formed a unique collaboration with oncologist
Walter Stadler, who specializes in prostate and renal
cancers. Their goal is to find new anti-cancer agents
(antiangiogenic drugs) that restrict blood flow to
tumors, cutting off their nourishment and preventing
the formation of new blood vessels that tumors use
to grow. Karczmar’s approach has the added,
predictive ability to determine which patients are
most likely to benefit from such therapy.
Medical physicist Maryellen Giger
and radiologist Gillian Newstead, at Chicago, are
world renowned pioneers in computer assisted detection
and diagnosis (CAD). They work together in the design
of computer vision and artificial intelligence to
improve the early detection and diagnosis of breast
cancer through mammography screening, ultrasound,
CT, and MRI. Their seminal work effectively and efficiently
improves the interpretation of breast images, greatly
reducing the incidence of missed breast cancers and
preventing unneeded biopsies. Maryellen received her
doctorate degree in medical physics from Chicago—the
first degree program of its kind in the United States,
and one that continues to flourish, attracting the
top students and their new ideas.
Mike Vannier, professor of radiology
at Chicago, is a founder of the emerging field of
computational representation and analysis of anatomy.
A leader in the development of 3-D imaging technologies,
he transforms how physicians diagnose and treat heart
disease, even in symptom-free individuals. CT and
MRI, for example, offer promising means to examine
heart structure and function, noninvasive alternatives
to the traditional tests which require the threading
of a catheter (via-vein) to a patient’s heart.
Chicago is equipped with an array of the latest devices
from an alliance with Royal Philips Electronics, most
recently a 64 “slice” scanner, one of
the first such devices in the world. And, we are one
of only three centers in the country to perform clinical
assessment of the first real-time 3-D echocardiography
device which cardiologist Roberto Lang helped develop,
and which allows surgeons to see real time 3D images
of the beating heart. Able to visualize blood flow,
this remarkable device is another precious tool to
assess heart function and, if necessary, determine
how to repair it.
Chicago has the distinctive ability
to integrate clinical, basic science and outcomes-based
studies positioning us for breakthroughs in molecular
imaging, an emerging and rapidly advancing modality
that illuminates our understanding of the living body
as never before. In this revolutionary approach, near
infrared light activates the fluorescence or bioluminescence
of genetically encoded agents revealing cellular pathways
and underlying processes that elucidate the origins
of disease and help researchers target cells responsible
for those processes.
We’ve gone so small that,
paradoxically, a whole new world has opened up—a
world with many opportunities to explore, invent,
and uncover secrets for the early detection and treatment
of brain disorders, cancers and cardiovascular disease.
With philanthropic
support we will continue to enrich our understanding
of human biology and advance the development of more
accurate diagnostic evaluation, precise treatment
planning, and breakthrough imaging systems to usher
in the next era of medical imaging.
- Facilities & Equipment—new imaging research
facility, including investment in a widening array
of evolving MRI, PET and Optical Imaging equipment,
to develop novel imaging approaches that further
identify disease targets and monitor treatment responses.
- People—named professorships to reward our
world class basic scientists, and new, premier faculty
to extend and enhance the translation of emerging
molecular biology technologies into state of the
art diagnostics and individualized patient therapies.
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