CRiCT

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CRiCT

CRiCT Introduction

Center for Radiation-induced Cancer Theranostics (CRiCT) The purpose of CRiCT aims at developing a novel in vivo dosimetric system and theranostic technology of radiotherapy (RT) by developing radiation-induced acoustic imaging (RAI) technology that convert radiation absorption energy to acoustic signal using nanocomplex.
  • Development of RAI technology that enables in vivo quantification of radiation absorption in tumor and subsequently enables in vivo dosimetry of RT
  • Development of theranostic technology (simultaneously imaging and curing cancer) using nanocomplex designed to enhance RT effect. This technology includes development of probe for targeting breast cancer or pancreatic cancer, combining it with nanoparticle characterized by high radiation absorption coefficient and its surface modification to release therapeutic agents in response to RT
We expect to develop striking RT-based nano-theranostic probes and RAI systems. Once they are commercialized, the impact would be significant in diagnostics and therapueics of diseases. Typically, companies in the developed countries including USA and EU occupy most of medical device and drug markets. Therefore, we need to develop independent technology in biomedicine and theranostic approaches that will open the new avenue. To our knowledge, the present technology combining both radiation absorbing nanoprobes and RAI system has not been implement anywhere, and therefore we strongly believe that we can suggest the original platform technology and original intellectual properties through this research. Furthermore, this will lead significant impact on bio-medical industries.
CRiCT Introduction

Mission & Vision

Mission

Development of radiation-induced acoustic imaging(RAI) technology
Development of high efficiency cancer target ligand and imaging analysis system
Development of novel cancer theranostics probes

Vision

Development of a novel in vivo dosimetric system for radiotherapy
Big data analysis of breast, colon or pancreas cancer target ligands using RAI technology based on novel radiomics
Development of signal amplification contrast agents for radiation therapy and therapeutic agents

Organization

The purpose of our group is to develop radiation (X—ray) induced acoustic imaging (RAI) system to measure real-time X—ray dosimetry inside of live subjects in vivo and to monitor the radiation treatment. After injecting the radiation absorbing nanostructure and specific targeted biomarker in small mouse, we will sensitively and specifically image diseased areas and radiation dosimeter using developed RAI system in vivo. Further, we will quantify the acoustic wave generated by radiation absorption, and then we can quantify the mount of radiation in each treatment stage.

Organization 1 Part

The purpose of our group is to develop an radiation-induced acoustic imaging (RAI) and targeted radiation absorption technology that can lead to personal in vivo dosimetry of radiotherapy and strengthening of radiotherapy efficacy. For that,

  • Establishment of personal in vivo dosimetry algorithm through the energy conversion of pulsed X-ray generated by LINAC to acoustic signal
  • Discovery and synthesis of a targeted ligand against molecular markers overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer and breast cancer
  • Characterization and optimization of tumor-targeted ligand-based nanocomplex in terms of targeting efficiency, in vivo biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic efficacy

Personal in vivo dosimetry technology based on RAI

Organization 2 Part

We intend to develop nanomaterials that have high radiation absorption coefficient for simultaneous diagnosis, dosimetry, and therapy based on pulsed x-ray radiation. The materials can respond tumor microenvironment and selectively absorb radiation. Absorbed radiation can be converted into heat. The heat generates acoustic signal due to thermal expansion. The acoustic signal can be used for ultrasound imaging. The heat can be also applied for hyperthermia and stimulate release of anticancer drug. Also, absorbed radiation can be generated the reactive oxygen species. This enables highly efficient anticancer therapy by combining chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and hyperthermia. This proposal aims studies necessary to translate the combination into practical applications. In this research, we will investigate therapy effects and mechanisms by studying change of the blood distribution and response of cells through the high performance imaging technique using radiation induced acoustic based nanoprobes and developing nanoprobes which are capable of simultaneous diagnosis and therapy.

Synthesis of novel radiation induced theranostic nano complex

Organization 3 Part