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Peter L. Choyke, M.D.

Portait Photo of Peter Choyke
Molecular Imaging Program
Program Director
Molecular Imaging Program
Building 10, Room 1B40
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892-1088
Phone:  
 301-451-4221
Fax:  
 301-402-3191
E-Mail:  
 pchoyke@nih.gov
Link:
 Other Homepage

Biography

Dr. Choyke obtained his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Following an imaging fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania he joined the faculty of Georgetown University and soon thereafter the Diagnostic Radiology Department, Clinical Center, NIH. In June 2004 he started the Molecular Imaging Program within the Center for Cancer Research, NCI.

His research interests include translation of molecular imaging methods into the clinic including MRI, optical and Radionuclide/PET methods. His research includes novel methods of detecting ovarian cancer metastases, lymphangiogenesis, multi-targeted epithelial growth factor (HER1, HER2) imaging, prostate cancer detection, angiogenesis imaging and exploration of unique animal models of cancer.

Research

View Dr. Choyke's Current Clinical Trials

The goal of the Molecular Imaging Program(MIP) is to develop and test targeted imaging agents for use in cancer patients. The MIP has a preclinical program in which new compounds synthesized in the laboratory are tested in vivo, a translational component in which compounds are introduced into the clinic in Phase 0/1 Trials and a clinical component in which imaging trials with previously tested imaging agents/techniques are conducted in conjunction with treatment trials at the NCI.

Projects:
1. Detection of ovarian cancer metastases (preclinical). Ovarian Cancer often presents at an advanced stage and surgical removal is difficult. We are developing new imaging/treatment methods to detect tiny foci of disease so that more effective cytoreduction can be achieved. (See Gallery for sample images)

2. Lymphatic imaging (preclinical-translation). The lymphatics are a primary conduit for the spread of cancer. Imaging of the lymphatics is difficult because of poor access. We are developing methods of imaging the lymphatics using optical, radionuclide and MR-based nanoparticles and other macromolecules that are preferentially taken up by the lymphatics. This includes novel methods of sentinel node imaging, lymphatic mapping and studies of lymphedema. In a related clinical trial we are using the macromolecular contrast agent Gadolinium-albumin as a surrogate marker of convective enhanced delivery of therapeutics in patients with inoperable brain tumors.

3. Multi-targeted EGF receptor imaging (preclinical-translation). The EGF receptors HER1 and HER2 are implicated in the development and progression of many epithelial cancers. We are developing targeted imaging agents that bind to one or more of these receptors in order to characterize lesions in vivo. Since it is impossible to biopsy every lesion and the assumption that all tumors express the same cell surface markers is not always correct, a non-invasive or minimally invasive method of characterizing cancers in vivo. We are initiating a trial of Indium labeled Trastuzumab in breast cancer patients to evaluate HER2 expression in vivo.

4. Prostate Cancer Imaging (pre-clinical-clinical). Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Yet, many patients are overtreated. We are developing methods of localizing primary prostate cancers in the hopes of developing minimally invasive treatment strategies. We are pursuing a number of targets in pre clinical testing in order to develop potentially clinically useful imaging agents to localize prostate cancer. Meanwhile, we are using 3T MRI and new PET agents (e.g. 11C Acetate) in clinical trials of prostate cancer in order to attempt to localize prostate cancers in some patients. Meanwhile in collaboration with Philips Medical Systems and the Urologic Oncology Branch we are developing new image guided treatment systems for Prostate Cancer.

5. Proliferation Imaging (Clinical). We are conducting clinical trials of Fluoro-L-Thymidine (FLT) as an alternative test to FDG PET for assessment of cell turnover in patients with cancer. Initial studies will be conducted in patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

6. Angiogenesis Imaging (Clinical). We conduct clinical trials of DCE-MRI in patients undergoing angiogenic inhibitor therapy.

7. Small Animal Imaging Program-Frederick (SAIP-F). The MIP assists the SAIP-F in developing protocols and imaging animal models of disease and treatment at the Frederick campus of NCI.


Facilities include an extensive chemistry and biology lab. We have microMRI, optical cameras and microPET. We are developing a new microSPECT unit. Future additions include an imaging center for human and animal imaging and animal holding/procedure facility.

This page was last updated on 3/4/2009.