|
Welcome to the website of the Section on Biomedical Stochastic Physics in the Laboratory of Integrative and Medical Biophysics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health.
The Section on Biomedical Stochastic Physics (SBSP) works on light-tissue interactions related to non-invasive optical imaging of biological targets. The objectives of the SBSP are to devise quantitative theories, develop methodologies, and design instrumentation to study biological phenomena whose properties are characterized by elements of randomness in both time and space. The main focus of the section has been to develop quantitative theories applicable to in vivo quantitative optical spectroscopy and tomographic imaging of tissues. This requires analysis of different optical sources of contrast such as endogenous or exogenous fluorescent labels, absorption (e.g., hemoglobin or chromophore concentration), and/or scattering. In many instances, we design and conduct experiments and computer simulations to validate theoretical findings. In addition, we conduct collaborative research both nationally, internationally, and within the Intramural Research Program of the NIH to investigate physiological sites where optical techniques might be clinically practical and offer new diagnostic knowledge and/or less morbidity than existing diagnostic methods. In addition, we have started a project to study tumor-induced angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays an essential role in the establishment of tumor malignancy. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis, we have developed a stochastic model for qualitative analysis of the biological events that constitute angiogenesis.
Members of SBSP start at the desk to develop methodologies applicable to in vivo quantitative tissue spectroscopy and tomographic imaging. At the bench, we are designing and conducting experiments on tissue-like phantoms and running computer simulations to validate our findings. With successes at the bench, we are bringing our imaging and spectroscopic devices to the bedside.
SBSP is involved in several clinical studies, including three NCI-sponsored clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-angiogenesis drug treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma, and an NIDCR/NINDS clinical study to evaluate the drug response of patients experiencing complex regional pain syndrome. SBSP has also started to model the stochastic process of tumor-induced angiogenesis in the extracellular matrix.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Amir H. Gandjbakhche.
|
