Chemistry Seminar - Molecular Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer
Dual-Modal Targeted Molecular Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer
Basant Kaur
Chemistry MS Candidate
School of Chemistry and Materials Science, RIT
Advisor: Dr. Hans Schmitthenner
Abstract:
Our research is focused on the early and accurate detection of breast cancer (BrCa) by molecular imaging. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Each year about one in eight women will be diagnosed, and over 500,000 deaths occur from breast cancer globally. To improve chances of survival, breast cancer must be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Conventional imaging uses mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Limitations in these can result in false-positive results or undetected tumors. It is vital to create more efficient imaging methods to diagnose breast cancer, to reduce false-positives and to guide therapy. A new approach to targeted molecular imaging agents (TMIAs) for BrCa will be described for dual modal imaging by fluorescence and MRI. A second goal of this work is to improve breast cancer treatment by using photodynamic therapy (PDT), a new technique that uses lasers to activate photosensitizer dyes that kill cancer cells. To target these imaging agents and dyes for PDT we will use a new BrCa-targeting peptide called 18-4 discovered by Dr. Kaur. We will synthesize the peptide by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and will attach the dyes utilizing a new modular method for attaching the imaging agents to targeting agents.
Speaker Bio:
Basant Kaur graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a BS in Chemistry. At Roberts she conducted biochemistry research with Dr. Roll, working on purification of a protein that causes emphysema. She came to RIT in Fall 2019 to pursue a master’s in Chemistry. Her research interests are medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and organic synthesis. Outside of science, Basant enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, skating, and biking.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No