Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Nanobiotechnology and nanomaterials
Degree: Honours
Supervisor: A/Prof
Benjamin Thierry
Description: Accurate diagnostic of metastases to local and
distant lymph node are essential for the selection of appropriate cancer
treatment. The sentinel lymph (SN) node, which is defined as the first
node of a regional lymphatic basin that receives the lymphatic drainage
from a tumour, is an elective site of lymph node metastasis and
therefore can be can be a suitable marker of axillary lymph node status.
Dyes and radioisotopes have been used as tracers so identify the SN. In
contrast to the radioisotopes method, dye-guided mapping is technically
easy, less expensive, and more widely acceptable; however, dyes are not
visible if the SN is embedded in a deep, fatty area of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as an alternative
imaging modality. MRI provides images with excellent anatomical detail
and soft tissue contrast but is relatively insensitive for the detection
of mm-sizes metastases and especially those in lymph nodes. However, the
results of MRI can be improved by using different imaging agents and
acquisition techniques. In particular, the use of superparamagnetic
nanoparticles as tracers holds considerable promise. Solid nanoparticles
such as iron oxide nanocrystals migrate to regional draining lymph nodes
after subcutaneous injection, thereby enabling precise magnetic
resonance imaging of the lymph node system. Alternatively, insoluble
iodinated CT X-ray contrast agents demonstrated excellent enhancement of
the regional draining lymph nodes.
One limitation of nanoparticulate mapping of the lymph node system is
that tracers (dyes and nanoparticles) easily pass through the SN which
may lead to incorrect identification of the SN.
Aim: This project aims at developing novel nanoparticulate
tracers for MRI and CT X-ray using respectively superparamagnetic/paramagnetic
and heavy metal solid nanoparticles. The candidate will also explore the
use of Near Infrared (NIR) lymph node contrast agents. Finally, surface
engineering of the nanoparticles with biomolecules known to have a high
affinity for lymph node vessels will be investigated to increase the
retention time of the tracers in the SN. The candidate will pursue
preliminary works done at The Wark. The project is conducted in
collaboration with the Sydney Melanoma Centre, Sydney Cancer Centre,
University of Sydney.
