Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Early stage, low-risk prostate cancer is treated by inserting radioactive seeds into the prostate through a process called ultrasound guided brachytherapy. Over 50,000 men undergo this surgical procedure annually. The main limitation in this type of therapy is making sure the seed is placed in the right spot. Placing the seed in the wrong spot may mean too much radiation directed at the rectum, urethra, or bladder and not enough radiation directed at the prostate.

Two professors at the Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology (CISST) Engineering Research Center (ERC) at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to make sure the radioactive seed is placed in the right location. Dr. Gabor Fichtinger, an associate research professor, and Dr. E. Clif Burdett, a principal scientist at Acoustic Medsystems, have developed a functional clinical prototype which uses ultrasound imaging and C-arm fluoroscopy to visualize soft tissue and the radioactive seed in the patient. The two images are then combined in an interactive display, which works with already-available implant guidance systems.

The new system, which recently finished clinical trials, allows surgeons to instantaneously compensate for underdosed or missed spots in the prostate region.

Primary Strategic Outcome Goal:
Engineering Research Centers

Secondary Strategic Outcome Goals:
Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program

How does this highlight address the strategic outcome goal(s) as described in the NSF Strategic Plan 2006-2011?
The technology developed here allows surgeons to provide more accurate and effective treatment for prostate cancer. The research is cross-disciplinary and involves collaboration between various academic institutions and a private company.

Does this highlight represent transformative or potentially transformative research? If so, please explain why. For more information, see Report to Congress: Transformative Research at the National Science Foundation, April 16, 2008
No

Does this highlight represent Broadening Participation? If so, please explain why.
For more information, see Broadening Participation at the National Science Foundation: A Framework for Action
No

Are there existing or potential societal benefits of this research? It is important for NSF to be able to provide examples of NSF-supported research that have societal benefits, including benefits to the U.S. economy.
For more information, see Excerpt from Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
Yes
Improved treatment of prostate cancer will help save many lives while reducing unwanted side-effects of the treatment.

ENG/EEC 2008