Theranostic platform composed of magnetic hyperthermia, ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging

• Grant number: 22/01470-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Medical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Theo Zeferino Pavan
• Grantee: José Eduardo Freire
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06728-2 - Photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging for theranostic purposes, AP.JP2

Abstract

Magnetic hyperthermia is a promising cancer treatment modality; however, challenges such as mapping magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) in tissues and monitoring temperature during treatment hinder this technique to be effectively applied in clinical routine. In order to improve this therapeutic technique, this research project aims to develop and evaluate methods based on ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, and magnetomotive ultrasound (MMUS), integrated with magnetic hyperthermia, into a theranostic platform. We intend to apply the aforementioned imaging methods to localize magnetic NPs and estimate therapeutic parameters, during the hyperthermia procedure, such as temperature and oxygen saturation. In a recent study, we showed that MMUS and thermal ultrasound imaging can be used to map the location of magnetic NPs and tissue temperature variations during the hyperthermia procedure. In this PhD project, we intend to add photoacoustic imaging capabilities to this theranostic platform to improve the resolution and sensitivity of the system to detect NPs and monitor the temperature. To evaluate the systems to be developed, we will use gelatin/agar phantoms. These phantoms will have tissue-like optical and acoustic properties. The theranostic platform under development will also be evaluated in vivo with mice. (AU)