Early Outcome Assessment and Intratumoral Modulation Therapy for Glioblastoma
Supervisor: Dr. Eugene Wong
Project: Early Outcome Assessment and Intratumoral Modulation Therapy for Glioblastoma
Can extend to MSc?: Yes
Project Description (Abstract):
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of primary brain tumors. Under a clinical trial protocol, we have collected set of diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at regular follow-up intervals. We also have documented patient outcomes. Preliminary work has shown that the combination of change in apparent diffusion coefficient and cerebral blood volume derived from the MR image datasets at 1 and 3 months can predict patient survival. The present project is to confirm this prediction in a separate patient cohort and to extend it to predict the location of the recurrence.
In addition, intratumoral modulation therapy will be examined for the prevention of recurrence after chemo-radiation. An electrode array will be modeled in Matlab and the spatial distribution of potential and current is to be predicted in-vivo. In particular, MR imaging will be used to separate white and grey matter as well as cerebral spinal fluids for their conductance and dielectric properties. The predicted potential and current distribution will be tested in a rat tumor model. Design of new electrode array configurations is also expected to maximize the electric field coverage of the tumour.
