CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research & Education (R&E) Foundation awarded its 2018 Canon Medical Systems USA/RSNA Research Seed Grants to Pedram Heidari, M.D., Prashant Nagpal, M.D. and Adam Singer, M.D., and the 2018 Canon Medical Systems USA Research Medical Student Grants to Brandon Kenneth-Kouso Fields, B.A., B.M. and Anthony D. Yao, B.S. These grants are made possible by Canon Medical Systems USA’s support of the RSNA R&E Foundation.
The Canon Medical Systems USA/RSNA Research Seed Grant provides $40,000 for a one-year project to test hypotheses and obtain pilot data in preparation for major grant applications.
Pedram Heidari, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, will investigate a novel PET probe for imaging of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mouse models. This PET probe is specific for granzyme B which is an important marker of T cell activation involved in pathogenies of IBD. Clinical translation of this imaging method, if successful, could potentially improve management and treatment of IBD.
Prashant Nagpal, M.D., University of Iowa, with scientific advisor Mathews Jacob, Ph.D., will investigate whether 3D self-navigated free-breathing cardiac MRI (CMR) sequences using manifold reconstruction algorithms compare well with the standard of care breath-held CMR sequences for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If successful, this free-breathing CMR technique will allow high-quality comprehensive imaging in patients that cannot hold their breath.
Adam Singer, M.D., Emory University, will compare the performance of a novel sonographic scoring and reporting system to MRI for soft tissue sarcoma resection bed surveillance. If sonographic diagnostic accuracy is non-inferior to MRI, it could provide a more cost effective surveillance alternative particularly when MRI is contraindicated or degraded by artifacts.
The Canon Medical Systems USA/RSNA Research Medical Student Grant provides a $3,000 stipend, matched by the department for a total of $6,000 to pursue a research project in the radiologic sciences.
Brandon Kenneth-Kouso “K.K.” Fields, B.A., B.M., University of Southern California, with scientific advisor George R. Matcuk Jr., M.D., will investigate the role of quantitative whole tumor volume MRI as a novel biomarker in evaluating response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy in soft-tissue sarcomas. The principles developed with this project may lend new insight into early observable changes seen in this heterogeneous class of tumors to more accurately guide clinical management.
Anthony D. Yao, B.S., Rhode Island Hospital, with scientific advisor Ryan A. McTaggart, M.D., will investigate whether artificial intelligence can assist in the imaging of emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVOs) on CT angiograms. If successful, neural networks may be implemented to aid radiologists in decreasing diagnostic time and improving patient outcomes.
The RSNA R&E Foundation Board of Trustees approved funding for $4 million in radiology research and education grants this year, achieving a funding rate of 35 percent of grant applicants. “The R&E Foundation is grateful for Canon Medical Systems USA’s support of the 2018 grant recipients. This longstanding partnership and commitment is a vital component in ensuring research innovation and seeding the future of radiology,” said N. Reed Dunnick, M.D., chair of the R&E Foundation Board of Trustees.
RSNA is an association of over 54,200 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and healthcare delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)
The mission of the RSNA R&E Foundation is to improve patient care by supporting research and education in radiology and related scientific disciplines through funding grants and awards to individuals and institutions that will advance radiologic research, education and practice. (RSNA.org/Foundation)
About Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.
Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc., headquartered in Tustin, Calif., markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and interventional X-ray equipment. For more information, visit Canon Medical Systems’ website at https://us.medical.canon.
About Canon Medical Systems Corporation
Canon Medical Systems Corporation develops and manufactures diagnostic imaging systems including CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray systems and clinical laboratory systems and provides them to around 140 countries and regions around the world, offering technology that provides faster diagnosis and early treatment. Under the slogan "Made for Life" (Made for Partnerships, Made for Patients, Made for You.), Canon Medical Systems is making positive contributions toward hospital management, and provides a range of patient-friendly healthcare systems and services, continuing its long tradition of contributing to healthcare.
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