Calendar

MIPS Seminar Series: “Circulating Tumor DNA Biomarkers for Therapy Monitoring and Early Detection”

Shan X. Wang, PhD
Leland T. Edwards Professor in the School of Engineering
Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, jointly of Electrical Engineering, and by courtesy of Radiology (Stanford School of Medicine)
Director, Stanford Center for Magnetic Nanotechnology
Stanford University

Location: Zoom
Webinar URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/s/93202777468
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Webinar ID: 932 0277 7468
Passcode: 851144

12:00pm – 12:45pm Seminar & Discussion
RSVP Here

ABSTRACT
Inspired by Dr Sam Gambhir, MIPS, Canary Center, and Stanford CCNE have pursued in vivo imaging and in vitro diagnostic tests for cancer therapeutic response or early detection, respectively, over the last 15+ years. Here I present two successful examples based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) targets in plasma, complementary to imaging modalities such as CT and Ultrasound.

We have developed a simple yet highly sensitive assay for the detection of actionable mutational targets such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (KRAS) mutations in the plasma ctDNA from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using giant magnetoresistive (GMR) nanosensors. Our assay achieves lower limits of detection compared to standard fluorescent PCR based assays, and comparable performance to digital PCR methods. In 30 patients with metastatic disease and known EGFR mutation status at diagnosis, our assay achieved 87.5% sensitivity for Exon19 deletion and 90% sensitivity for L858R mutation while retaining 100% specificity; additionally, our assay detected secondary T790M mutation resistance with 96.3% specificity while retaining 100% sensitivity. We re-sampled 13 patients undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy 2 weeks after initiation to assess response, our GMR assay was 100% accurate in correlation with longitudinal clinical outcome, and the responders identified by the GMR assay had significantly improved progression free survival (PFS) compared to the non-responders. The GMR assay is low cost, rapid, and portable, making it ideal for detecting actionable mutations at diagnosis and non-invasively monitoring treatment response in the clinic.

On another front, we have also developed a highly sensitive and multiplexed assay for the detection of methylated ctDNA targets in plasma samples. Current diagnostic tests for liver cancer in at-risk patients are cumbersome, costly and inaccurate, resulting in a need for accurate blood-based tests. By devising a Layered Analysis of Methylated Biomarkers (LAMB) from the relevant big data, we have discovered a set of DNA targets in the blood that accurately detects liver cancer in these at-risk patients. This set of methylated targets was found by analyzing the genetic information of 3411 liver cancer patients and 1722 healthy people. Our results could lead to clinical adoption of liquid biopsy tests for liver cancer surveillance in high-risk populations and the development of blood tests for other cancers.

ABOUT
Prof. Wang directs the Center for Magnetic Nanotechnology and is a leading expert in biosensors, information storage and spintronics. His research and inventions span across a variety of areas including magnetic biochips, in vitro diagnostics, cancer biomarkers, magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic sensors, magnetoresistive random access memory, and magnetic integrated inductors. He has over 300 publications, and holds 65 issued or pending patents in these and interdisciplinary areas. He was named an inaugural Fred Terman Fellow, and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) for his seminal contributions to magnetic materials and nanosensors. His team won the Grand Challenge Exploration Award from Gates Foundation (2010), the XCHALLENGE Distinguished Award (2014), and the Bold Epic Innovator Award from the XPRIZE Foundation (2017).

Dr. Wang cofounded three high-tech startups in Silicon Valley, including MagArray, Inc. and Flux Biosciences, Inc. In 2018 MagArray launched a first of its kind lung cancer early diagnostic assay based on protein cancer biomarkers and support vector machine (SVM). In 2019, Flux Biosciences launched a human trial to offer at-home testing of fertility based on hormones and magneto-nanosensors. Through his participation in the Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (as co-PI of the CCNE) and the Joint University Microelectronics Program (JUMP), he is actively engaged in the transformative research of healthcare and is developing emerging memories for energy efficient computing.

Hosted by: Katherine Ferrara, PhD
Sponsored by: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford & the Department of Radiology

MIPS Seminar Series: Emerging nanophotonic platforms for infectious disease diagnostics: Re-imagining the conventional microbiology toolkit

Jennifer Dionne, PhD
Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research Platforms/Shared Facilities
Associate Professor of Material Science and Engineering and, by courtesy, of Radiology (Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford)
Stanford University

Location: Zoom
Webinar URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/95883654314
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Webinar ID: 958 8365 4314
Passcode: 105586

12:00pm – 12:45pm Seminar & Discussion
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ABSTRACT
We present our research controlling light at the nanoscale for infectious disease diagnostics, including detecting bacteria at low concentration, sensing COVID gene sequences, and visualizing in-vivo inter-cellular forces. First, we combine Raman spectroscopy and deep learning to accurately classify bacteria by both species and antibiotic resistance in a single step. We design a convolutional neural network (CNN) for spectral data and train it to identify 30 of the most common bacterial strains from single-cell Raman spectra, achieving antibiotic treatment identification accuracies exceeding 99% and species identification accuracies similar to leading mass spectrometry identification techniques. Our combined Raman-CNN system represents a proof-of-concept for rapid, culture-free identification of bacterial isolates and antibiotic resistance.  Second, we describe resonant nanophotonic surfaces, known as “metasurfaces” that enable multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene sequences. Our metasurfaces utilize guided mode resonances excited in high refractive index nanostructures. The high quality factor modes produce a large amplification of the electromagnetic field near the nanostructures that increase the response to targeted binding of nucleic acids; simultaneously, the optical signal is beam-steered for multiplexed detection. We describe how this platform can be manufactured at scale for portable, low-cost assays. Finally, we introduce a new class of in vivo optical probes to monitor biological forces with high spatial resolution. Our design is based on upconverting nanoparticles that, when excited in the near-infrared, emit light of a different color and intensity in response to nano-to-microNewton forces. The nanoparticles are sub-30nm in size, do not bleach or photoblink, and can enable deep tissue imaging with minimal tissue autofluorescence. We present the design, synthesis, and characterization of these nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo, focusing on the forces generated by the roundworm C. elegans as it feeds and digests its bacterial food.

ABOUT
Jennifer Dionne is the Senior Associate Vice Provost of Research Platforms/Shared Facilities and an associate professor of Materials Science and Engineering and, by courtesy, of Radiology at Stanford. She is also an Associate Editor of Nano Letters, director of the DOE-funded Photonics at Thermodynamic Limits Energy Frontier Research Center, and an affiliate faculty of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, and Bio-X. Jen received her B.S. degrees in Physics and Systems Science and Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis, her Ph. D. in Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology in 2009, and her postdoctoral training in Chemistry at Berkeley.  Her research develops nanophotonic methods to observe and control chemical and biological processes as they unfold with nanometer scale resolution, emphasizing critical challenges in global health and sustainability. Her work has been recognized with the Alan T. Waterman Award, a NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, a Moore Inventor Fellowship, the Materials Research Society Young Investigator Award, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and was featured on Oprah’s list of “50 Things that will make you say ‘Wow’!”.  Beyond the lab, Jen enjoys exploring the intersection of art and science, long-distance cycling, and reliving her childhood with her two young sons.

Hosted by: Katherine Ferrara, PhD
Sponsored by: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford & the Department of Radiology

Targeted violence continues against Black Americans, Asian Americans, and all people of color. The department of radiology diversity committee is running a racial equity challenge to raise awareness of systemic racism, implicit bias and related issues. Participants will be provided a list of resources on these topics such as articles, podcasts, videos, etc., from which they can choose, with the “challenge” of engaging with one to three media sources prior to our session (some videos are as short as a few minutes). Participants will meet in small-group breakout sessions to discuss what they’ve learned and share ideas.

Please reach out to Marta Flory, flory@stanford.edu with questions. For details about the session, including recommended resources and the Zoom link, please reach out to Meke Faaoso at mfaaoso@stanford.edu.

MIPS Special Seminar: Jubilant Biosys: Drug discovery and contract research services, from target discovery to candidate selection

Thomas Haywood, PhD
Head of International Radiochemistry Collaborations
Stanford University

Saurabh Kapure, MBA
Vice President, Business Development (USA & APAC)
Jubilant Biosys Limited

Jay Sheth, MBA
Manager Business Development, Drug Discovery Services, and CDMO
Jubilant Biosys Limited

LOCATION: Zoom
Meeting URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/98108346345
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Meeting ID: 981 0834 6345
Passcode: 397741

ABOUT
Jubilant Biosys, an integrated contract research organization in India with business offices in Asia and North America, is a leading collaborator for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, with in-depth expertise in discovery informatics, medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and in vitro pharmacology services. Jubilant Biosys provides comprehensive drug discovery services and contract research services, from target discovery to candidate selection and with flexible business models (FFS, FTE and risk shared). This seminar will showcase case studies from recent Stanford projects and a discussion of future opportunities.

Sponsored by: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology

MIPS Seminar Series: Image-guided focal therapy for prostate cancer

Geoffrey Sonn, MD
Assistant Professor of Urology and, by courtesy, of Radiology (Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford)
Stanford University Medical Center

Location: Zoom
Webinar URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/s/96126703618
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Webinar ID: 961 2670 3618
Passcode: 186059

12:00pm – 12:45pm Seminar & Discussion
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ABSTRACT

In recent years, prostate cancer treatment has increasingly focused on selecting patients who are most likely to benefit and reducing harms from treatment. This has been seen both in adoption of active surveillance for men with low-risk prostate cancer and emergence of image-guided focal ablative therapy. While focal therapy causes fewer sexual and urinary side effects than conventional prostate cancer treatments, many questions remain about proper patient selection, treatment planning, and follow up care.

Improvements in prostate MRI performance and interpretation have paved the way for adoption of focal therapy. However, clinical challenges remain in prostate cancer imaging. This talk will describe prostate cancer focal therapy, discuss patient selection, and highlight the research efforts of my group to improve MRI interpretation to guide biopsy and improve focal therapy performance.

ABOUT
Geoffrey Sonn, MD is a urologic oncologist who specializes in treating patients with prostate and kidney cancer. He has a particular interest in cancer imaging, MRI-Ultrasound fusion targeted prostate biopsy, prostate cancer focal therapy, and robotic surgery for prostate and kidney cancer. He is the principal investigator of the first clinical trial in Northern California to use MRI-guided focused ultrasound to treat prostate cancer. The goal of this trial is to treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects than surgery or radiation.

Dr. Sonn was born in Washington State and lived there until leaving for college at Georgetown. After graduating magna cum laude at Georgetown he returned to the West Coast for medical school at UCLA. Following medical school, Dr. Sonn completed a 6-year urology residency at Stanford where he developed particular interests in the clinical care of patients with urologic cancers and research in cancer imaging. Dr. Sonn completed a 2-year urologic oncology fellowship at UCLA. Since completing his fellowship, Dr. Sonn has been at Stanford as an assistant professor in urology. Dr. Sonn’s research is devoted to developing new cancer imaging techniques, applying artificial intelligence to find cancers on medical images, and applying new methods to treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects.

Hosted by: Katherine Ferrara, PhD
Sponsored by: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford & the Department of Radiology

Zoom Webinar Information
Webinar URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/92903233643
Dial: US: +1 650 724 9799  or +1 833 302 1536 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 929 0323 3643
Passcode: 146018

Tentative Agenda (all times are in PST)
8:00-8:05 AM – Opening Remarks – Michelle James, PhD
8:05-8:55 AM – Overview and Imaging-based Collaboration: Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pathology, Psychiatry, and Nuclear Medicine (Frank M. Longo, MD, PhD, Michael Lim, MD, Thomas Montine, MD, PhD, Victor G. Carrión, MD, and Guido Davidzon, MD)
8:55-9:20 AM – Faculty Introductions: All interested MIPS faculty on the call give a 2-minute introduction including their interest in collaborating with Neurology, Pathology, Neurosurgery, and/or Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences departments.
9:20-9:40 AM – Recent center proposals and possible mechanisms: UDALL Collaboration – Michelle James, PhD and Kathleen Poston, MD, MS
9:40-10:00 AM – Discussion – Moderated by: Michelle James, PhD and Katherine Ferrara, PhD

Stanford AIMI Director Curt Langlotz and Co-Directors Matt Lungren and Nigam Shah invite you to join us on August 3 for the 2021 Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Symposium. The virtual symposium will focus on the latest, best research on the role of AI in diagnostic excellence across medicine, current areas of impact, fairness and societal impact, and translation and clinical implementation. The program includes talks, interactive panel discussions, and breakout sessions. Registration is free and open to all.

Also, the 2nd Annual BiOethics, the Law, and Data-sharing: AI in Radiology (BOLD-AIR) Summit will be held on August 4, in conjunction with the AIMI Symposium. The summit will convene a broad range of speakers in bioethics, law, regulation, industry groups, and patient safety and data privacy, to address the latest ethical, regulatory, and legal challenges regarding AI in radiology.

REGISTER HERE

Regina Barzilay, PhD
School of Engineering Distinguished Professor for AI and Health
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department
AI Faculty Lead at Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract:
In this talk, I will present methods for future cancer risk from medical images. The discussion will explore alternative ways to formulate the risk assessment task and focus on algorithmic issues in developing such models. I will also discuss our experience in translating these algorithms into clinical practice in hospitals around the world.

MIPS Seminar Series: Predicting and Preventing Fetal and Neonatal Pathology: Looking Back and Looking Forward

David K. Stevenson, MD
The Harold K. Faber Professor of Pediatrics, Senior Associate Dean, Maternal and Child Health and Professor, by courtesy, of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Zoom Webinar Details
Webinar URL: https://stanford.zoom.us/s/94584828060
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Webinar ID: 945 8482 8060
Passcode: 481874

12:00pm – 12:45pm Seminar & Discussion
RSVP Here

ABSTRACT
The importance of minimally invasive technologies for interrogating the fetus and newborn, as well as of knowing where a biologic system is headed, not just where it has been, when trying to predict and prevent acquired diseases, will be discussed.  Examples of such technologies, such as trace gas analysis and optical reporting of biologic phenomena, and their application to model systems and the human newborn will be presented.  The role of advanced computational approaches for the integration and interpretation of large amounts of data derived from these new measurement tools will be emphasized.

ABOUT
Dr. David K. Stevenson is the Harold K. Faber Professor of Pediatrics and has made many impactful contributions to the field of neonatology and pediatrics, including his seminal studies on neonatal jaundice, bilirubin production and heme oxygenase biology.  As a neonatologist, his research has focused primarily on neonatal jaundice and more recently on the causes of preterm birth and its prevention.  He has held numerous leadership roles at Stanford University School of Medicine, including Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He is currently the Senior Associate Dean for Maternal & Child Health, the Co-Director of the Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, and the Principal Investigator for the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University.  Dr. Stevenson has received many awards, including the Virginia Apgar Award, which is the highest award in Perinatal Pediatrics, the Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award from the Federation of Pediatric Organizations, the Jonas Salk Award for Leadership in Prematurity Prevention from the March of Dimes Foundation, and the John Howland Medal and Award, the highest award in academic pediatrics.  He has served as the President of the American Pediatric Society. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Stevenson is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Hosted by: Katherine Ferrara, PhD
Sponsored by: Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford & the Department of Radiology