Associate Professor
Research Summary
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the Unites States. The American College of Gastroenterology states that patients who are 50 years of age and are at average risk for colorectal cancer should undergo screening. Despite screening options there are approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in the U.S. every year resulting in > 50,000 deaths.
Because of the continued high incidence of colon cancer, my research interests have focused on ?CT colonography? or ?virtual colonoscopy?. The technique is noninvasive and allows the Radiologist to evaluate the colon for precancerous lesions before they have reached the stage of invasive cancer.
At NYU, the department of Radiology has collaborated with the department of Gastroenterology to evaluate virtual colonoscopy and have examined over 300 patients who have had both CT and conventional colonoscopy on the same day.
Areas of research with virtual colonoscopy include various clinical settings where CT may have an impact such as after a failed colonoscopy, in patients with underlying medical conditions, and in patients undergoing screening. In addition, we have studied ways to differentiate the various pseudolesions. We have also studied radiation dose reduction techniques and been awarded a research grant from the SCBT/MR. Currently, we are investigating the utility of computer aided detection algorithms for improving detection rates of polyps, the ability to improve the bowel preparation that is necessary for the examination, and the true clinical significance of small polyps, as well as the appropriate screening and surveillance interval for CT colonography.
In addition to the above research, we have been very active in teaching our clinical, radiological, and the general community about virtual colonoscopy. Our web site provides information on virtual colonoscopy: http://virtualcolonoscopy.med.nyu.edu. The collaboration of our work in Radiology with the Gastroenterology department at NYU has made us a recognized as world leader in the field of virtual colonoscopy.
Because of the continued high incidence of colon cancer, my research interests have focused on ?CT colonography? or ?virtual colonoscopy?. The technique is noninvasive and allows the Radiologist to evaluate the colon for precancerous lesions before they have reached the stage of invasive cancer.
At NYU, the department of Radiology has collaborated with the department of Gastroenterology to evaluate virtual colonoscopy and have examined over 300 patients who have had both CT and conventional colonoscopy on the same day.
Areas of research with virtual colonoscopy include various clinical settings where CT may have an impact such as after a failed colonoscopy, in patients with underlying medical conditions, and in patients undergoing screening. In addition, we have studied ways to differentiate the various pseudolesions. We have also studied radiation dose reduction techniques and been awarded a research grant from the SCBT/MR. Currently, we are investigating the utility of computer aided detection algorithms for improving detection rates of polyps, the ability to improve the bowel preparation that is necessary for the examination, and the true clinical significance of small polyps, as well as the appropriate screening and surveillance interval for CT colonography.
In addition to the above research, we have been very active in teaching our clinical, radiological, and the general community about virtual colonoscopy. Our web site provides information on virtual colonoscopy: http://virtualcolonoscopy.med.nyu.edu. The collaboration of our work in Radiology with the Gastroenterology department at NYU has made us a recognized as world leader in the field of virtual colonoscopy.
Related Images
Pedunculated polyp (top), Sessile polyp (middle), and Flat polyp (bottom) at conventional (right) and virtual (left) colonoscopy
Research Information
Research Keywords
Colon Cancer, Virtual Colonoscopy, Abdominal Imaging
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