Mohammadhadi Khorrami, Ph.D.

Project: Novel AI Imaging Tools for Early Detection and Invasion of Lung Cancer
Named Award: The Shure Family Charitable Foundation in memory of Max Shure
Position: Instructor
Institution: Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.

Forschungsübersicht

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. With this project, we aim to improve the identification of small lung nodules in computed tomography (CT) scans, which can be early signs of cancer. These nodules, known as ground glass nodules (GGNs) and semi-solid nodules (SSNs), can be non-cancerous, pre-cancerous or cancerous. Distinguishing between them is challenging.

Early detection can significantly increase survival rates, but not all GGNs and SSNs develop into cancer. Some remain harmless, while others grow very slowly, making it difficult for patients and health care providers to decide whether to monitor them or proceed with biopsies or surgeries. Existing imaging methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans, are not always effective, especially for smaller nodules.

We are working to develop advanced imaging tools that use computer analysis to examine the texture and blood vessel structure of the nodules on CT scans. By identifying specific features, such as irregular textures and abnormal blood vessels, we hope to better distinguish between benign and cancerous nodules. This non-invasive method will allow health care providers to more accurately determine which nodules need immediate treatment, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient care.

Ultimately, this research could help revolutionize how we detect and manage lung cancer, increasing survival rates while minimizing the need for invasive procedures.

My “Why”

My passion for cancer research stems from my father’s battle with lung cancer. He endured immense pain during a biopsy for diagnosis and suffered severe side effects from chemotherapy, which ultimately proved ineffective. Witnessing his struggle inspired me to explore ways to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. I became determined to develop noninvasive tools that could predict cancer and guide therapeutic decisions, sparing patients unnecessary pain and ineffective treatments. This personal experience drives my commitment to advancing radiomic analysis and imaging biomarkers, with the goal of transforming cancer care and improving outcomes for patients and their families.

Warum die Finanzierung wichtig ist

Funding [from the Prevent Cancer Foundation] will provide vital resources to address a key research gap by testing a novel radiomic approach to differentiate adenocarcinoma from granuloma using CT imaging. This innovative strategy has the potential to improve noninvasive lung cancer diagnosis, reducing the need for painful biopsies and enhancing early detection of lung cancer. This support will enable me to generate critical preliminary data for future grant proposals and validate my hypothesis. Most importantly, this work has the potential to lay the foundation for prevention strategies that can be rigorously evaluated in clinical settings, ultimately transforming lung cancer diagnosis and patient care.