Research activities in Prof. Min Zhou's laboratory are primarily focused on three areas:
1.the development of targeted imaging probes for noninvasive characterization of molecular events associated with tumor progression and regression;
2.the development of new technique for real-time imaging-guided surgery;
3.the development of novel drug-delivery systems for selective delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Molecular imaging probes used in nuclear, optical and magnetic resonance imaging modalities are designed to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of early tumor detection, tumor-marker profiling, and the monitoring of early treatment responses. Targeted drug delivery, on the other hand, uses nanometric drug carriers to selectively deliver anticancer agents to the tumor to maximize their therapeutic efficacy and minimize their toxic side effects to the normal tissues. Their long-term goal is to apply the “seek and treat” strategy in the development of targeted imaging/therapeutic agents that will eventually be translated to the clinic to improve the management of cancer through early tumor detection and individualized therapy.
Research Interests
Molecular Imaging Probes, Drug Delivery Systems, Nanotechnology Research activities in the Zhou's Laboratory for Imaging Sciences are primarily focused on two areas: The development of targeted imaging probes for noninvasive characterization of molecular events associated with tumor progression and regression.
The development of novel drug-delivery systems for selective delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Molecular imaging probes used in nuclear, optical and magnetic resonance imaging modalities are designed to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of early tumor detection, tumor-marker profiling, and the monitoring of early treatment responses. Targeted drug delivery, on the other hand, uses nanometric drug carriers to selectively deliver anticancer agents to the tumor to maximize their therapeutic efficacy and minimize their toxic side effects to the normal tissues.
