Exner Lab Research Synopsis:

Our laboratory explores innovative applications of biocompatible polymers and other biomaterials in imaging and interventional radiology. The interdisciplinary research program integrates concepts from pharmacology, radiology, and biomedical engineering to develop exciting new biomaterial formulations with the help of noninvasive imaging techniques for in vitro and in vivo characterization. The potential impact of biomaterials in image-guided therapeutics and procedures is extensive; practical applications can range from image-guided drug delivery, to biodegradable markers for radiation therapy planning and guidance, and hemostasis agents to control bleeding following image-guided biopsy, to name but a few. The primary focus of our research is the development of a minimally invasive, image-guided combination treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) ablation followed by site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to the ablated area. We are formulating and refining polymer matrixes which will be used for delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs directly to solid tumors following the RF ablation procedure. The delivery system has four components: 1) a biodegradable polymer matrix for simple formulation, sustained release, and minimally invasive in vivo placement; 2) a sensitizing and release-modulating polymer to enhance cytotoxicity; 3) a radiopaque agent allowing visualization with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to facilitate image guided, site-specific placement and characterization; and 4) an active agent suited to the specific application. We anticipate that by assembling this multifaceted, local chemotherapy approach we can establish a method for complete cancer management that can be applicable in a number of diseases including colorectal, prostate, liver and breast cancers. If the efficacy of this method is sufficiently demonstrated, the same concepts can be applied to enhance other image guided procedures, and our work can help build a sound foundation for future research, development and optimization of other minimally invasive therapeutic approaches.