Studying Cancer and SARS-CoV-2 Co-Infection with Molecular Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a common cancer imaging technique where FDG, a radioactive substance, is used to identify cancer in the body. FDG is preferentially taken up by cancer cells and creates distinct signals that are detected by the PET scanner. A limitation of FDG-PET is that FDG is not specific to cancer. Other diseases, including COVID, can cause higher uptake of FDG by cells and create confounding signals during PET. To mitigate the risk of cancer misdiagnosis in patients infected with COVID, we will investigate to what extent SARS-CoV-2 infection interferes with cancer diagnosis. Animal models of breast cancer and SARS-CoV-2 will be used for studying FDG-PET imaging features. Breast cancer is one of the most prominent cancers among women. Our study will help proper diagnosis of breast cancer in patients at the IWK Health Centre, the largest women’s and children’s hospital in Atlantic Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeanette Boudreau

Student:

Partner:

IWK Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: