Challenges in Identifying & Translating Quantitative MR Imaging Markers to Evaluate the Effects of Therapy in Patients with Brain Tumors

Janine Lupo's group is focused on developing novel methods for acquisition, reconstruction, post-processing, and quantitative analysis of Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain images. Using a combination of multiparametric structural, physiological, and metabolic MRI techniques, their goal is to quantitatively characterize heterogeneity within malignant brain tumors, monitor response to novel treatment regimens, and investigate the long-term effects of therapy on healthy brain tissue structure and cognitive function. As part of the Surbeck Laboratory for Advanced Imaging, they are based in Byers Hall at the UCSF Mission Bay campus and have access to state-of-the-art 3T and 7T human research scanners. Many of the methodologies they develop initially to evaluate patients with brain tumors are also being applied to other neurological diseases.