Tom R. Miller, M.D., Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Radiology
Keywords: positron emission tomography (PET), cervical cancer, prostate cancer, tumor imaging, nuclear medicine

Dr. Miller’s research centers around tumor imaging by positron emission tomography (PET). In one project, the radiotracer [¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) is used to image patients with advanced cervical cancer undergoing treatment by radiation therapy. Tumor size is quantified before treatment as an aid in estimating prognosis, and the position of the internal applicator for brachytherapy is determined by correlating the three-dimensional location of the primary tumor with the position of the applicator. This project involves close collaboration with physicians and physicists in the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Another project is directed toward development of an effective PET imaging agent for patients with prostate cancer. The conventional tracer, FDG, is known to be ineffective in patients with this disease. Thus, Dr. Miller is investigating a different radiopharmaceutical, [¹¹C]acetate, in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Results to date indicate the new tracer is much more effective than FDG. This project includes surgeons and scientists in the Division of Urologic Surgery and the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology's Division of Radiological Sciences.