PS-OC CTO Project 2

Physical Sciences — Oncology Center Project 2
Project 2 will explore issues related to the progression kinetics of a primary hepatic tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma or [HCC]), developing a broader understanding of the biophysical barriers involved in the radio frequency (RF) based thermal therapy and MRI/CT imaging of HCC —employing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and fullerene particles (nano-C60). The issues explored will include the transport of the nanoparticles towards the lesion; the sufficient and specific accumulation of the nanoparticles within the tumor cells; and the heat generation upon RF activation and the heat transfer to the surrounding tissue. This goal will be achieved through an integrated process where in vitro testing and in vivo studies are combined with predictive in-silico mathematical models.