Andrew Karellas, PhD

Cancer Prevention and Control Program
Andrew Karellas, PhD

Biography

My research is in x-ray imaging with focus on computed tomography of the breast for the early detection of breast cancer. My research ushered the era of digital mammography concurrently with about three other groups in the world. I am the inventor of technology used as the imaging “engine” in three different devices, the PIXI® bone densitometer, used for osteoporosis screening, and PIXImus® mouse bone densitometer that has been used for testing mouse models in genetic and metabolic studies. My current research focus is on the development and evaluation of new tomographic and 3D x-ray imaging techniques for the detection of breast cancer.

Cancer Focus

In our lab ongoing research is mainly on cancer imaging using advanced x-ray imaging devices and image reconstruction software. The centerpiece of my research with colleagues is development and evaluation of a computed tomography of the breast system with high resolution and at reduced radiation dose. This technology is intended to be used for diagnostic imaging after screening mammography or breast tomosynthesis. The longer term objective is to develop a dedicated breast CT system that is suitable for breast cancer screening. We also work on the development of novel x-ray fluorescence imaging techniques for nanoparticle imaging initially for preclinical imaging and potentially for some human imaging applications.