The primary objective of our research effort is based on the development of new drug delivery methods including molecularly targeted imaging and therapeutic agents for cancer. We have two main research goals.

1. Development of molecularly targeted nanoparticles for in vivo imaging and drug delivery.
2. Use of external energy like focused ultrasound and lasers to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

To this end, we have applied nanotechnology platforms to image and treat vascular solid tumors (i.e. brain tumors). By synthesizing ligands that bind molecular targets on nanoparticle-based platforms, we make multi-modality imaging agents for molecular imaging. These imaging agents allow in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic characterization of each probe. Small animal models of disease are used to further test drug delivery capabilities of these targeted agents for therapeutic efficacy followed by toxicity evaluations. The second area of research uses focused ultrasound for local delivery of temperature sensitive liposomes containing drugs or genes. We have used heat shock protein promoter-driven gene expression to treat tumors in vivo by applying focused ultrasound locally to the tumors.