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The Clinical Research Division has recently seen exponential growth in funded clinical trials.  Specifically, Ari Isaacson, MD, has received funding to conduct two new interventional studies in collaboration with the Vascular Institute of Virginia.  The first trial will be a randomized trial with 21 participants that compares geniculate artery embolization (GAE) to a sham procedure.  His second trial will evaluate prostatic artery embolization (PAE) using an embolic material that can be seen during x-ray imaging.

Yueh Lee, MD, PhD, is anticipated to receive over $4 million in funding for translational studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Department of Defense (DoD).  For one trial, Lee will focus on a portable imaging device that can be used to evaluate traumatic brain injury.  In collaboration with the UNC Department of Physics and Astronomy, Lee will also evaluate a scatter reduction technique to be used in conjunction with tomosynthesis imaging in order to decrease radiation dose and image degradation.  Lastly, by developing automated software with Kitware, Inc., Lee hopes to better predict patient outcomes for stroke patients.

The Breast Imaging Division has opened several new trials, including the NCI-funded Tomosynthesis Mammography Screening Trial (TMIST)Cherie Kuzmiak, DO, FACR, is the principal investigator of this trial as well as one that investigates an automated 3D breast ultrasound device. Kuzmiak will also collaborate with Caterina Gallippi, PhD, to evaluate an ultrasound technique to be used to determine malignancy and evaluate treatment response.

Now supporting 18 departments and divisions across the university, the Radiology Core Service Center has also seen increased utilization.  The Core, directed by Ari Isaacson, MD, aids researchers by conducting tumor response assessments and medical image deidentification.  The Core is coordinated by Shanah Kirk and managed by Terry Hartman, MPH, MS, CCRC.

 

J. Keith Smith, MD, PhD