History of the Program
Townsend DW
Combined positron emission tomography-computed tomography: the historical perspective. (.pdf)
Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2008 Aug;29(4):232-5.
PMID: 18795489
The Molecular Imaging and Translational Research (MITR) Program, previously known as the Cancer Imaging and Tracer Development Research Program (CITDRP), was established at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee in February 2003 under the direction of David Townsend, PhD. Complementing Positron Emission Tomography initiatives at UT Medical Center since the early nineties and benefiting from the support of nearby CTI Molecular Imaging, the recognized world leader in PET technology and innovation based in Knoxville, the mission of the MITR Program is to create a world-class center for translational research using molecular imaging. The establishment of the CITDRP at the University of Tennessee was the inspiration of Ron Nutt, PhD, formerly President and CEO of CTI Molecular Imaging in Knoxville. The program name was changed to Molecular Imaging and Translational Research (MITR) in January 2007 to more accurately reflect the diversity of program research. The molecular imaging research program involves clinical research studies such as assessement of chemotherapy response in non small cell lung cancer, evaluation of PET/CT in the management of patients with oral head and neck cancer and the study of vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques. The translational research program addresses the development of new molecular biomarkers, evaluation of such biomarkers in appropriate animal models, and their subsequent introduction into the clinical arena for patient imaging. The MITR Program is based within the UT Graduate School of Medicine with faculty members holding appointments in the Departments of Medicine and Radiology.
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine
Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program
UT Graduate School of Medicine
1924 Alcoa Hwy., Box 93
Knoxville, TN 37920-6999
Phone:865-305-6181
Fax:865-305-8694