Wellington Pham, Ph.D.

Wellington Pham, Ph.D.

Professor, Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering

Areas of Interest: Cancer Biology; Synthetic & Medicinal Chemistry; Imaging

Our ongoing investigation emphasizes on cell therapy using a transgenic and preclinical mouse model. We have employed integrated nanotechnology-based platforms to achieve a multifunctional and multiplexed nanovaccine delivery system for cancer therapy. Aside from highlighting the contrast properties and carrier features available in nanotechnology, the overall goals of our studies are to (i) provide microanatomical and functional imaging feedback of the therapeutic process and (ii) realize an approach for longitudinal treatment and monitoring. In another project, we developed fluorescence nanoparticles for detection of colorectal cancer using fluorescence colonoscopy. Currently, the nanoparticles are prepared in GMP/GLP facilities in Japan.

Our second project focuses on the development of a novel synthetic chemistry approach to the generation of probes intended specifically for imaging Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The significance of this work lies in the development of a versatile vehicle which, after being loaded with imaging cargo, can be delivered to the brain. Furthermore, our laboratory currently employes HTS and earosolized methods to facilitate the discovery of novel chemical genetics for treatment of AD. Considering the tremendous contribution made by imaging in understanding the pathogenesis of AD, the results obtained through this research will have a strong influence on current efforts to find reliable biomarkers of this disease.