Paul Dayton

Other : IP rights from awardee institution

Increasing sensitivity and discrimination of breast cancer diagnosis using molecularly targeted, extravascular ultrasound imaging with ultrasound-activated, phase-change nanodroplet contrast agent

RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH We have the ability to create nanoparticles from existing lipid-shelled microbubble contrast agents that target breast cancer markers which lets us leverage the non-toxic formulations of these agents, and allows us to create novel targeted nanoparticles that are small enough to escape the vasculature. A critical barrier blocking progress in the use of these lipid-shelled perfluorocarbon nanodroplets as molecularly targeted, ultrasound- activated contrast agents is the fundamental lack of knowledge concerning their biodistribution in normal and tumor tissue. Establishing the ability of these novel targeted nanoparticles to cross the endothelial cell layer leverages existing microbubble contrast agents, promotes development of novel nano agents, and provides proof-of-principle for a more sensitive ultrasound method for discriminating between malignant and benign breast lesions.