Dr. Surmak studies advanced imaging techniques and preclinical models to improve cancer treatments and research. He has developed methods that help accurately measure how well tumors respond to therapies, particularly in cancers like pancreatic cancer. By using sophisticated imaging technologies, he helps researchers and doctors better plan and monitor radiation therapies and other treatments, ultimately benefiting cancer patients. His work also explores the early stages of tissue development, which can inform how certain medications and treatments affect normal growth processes.
Key findings
The new semi-automated method for measuring liver SUV values was found to closely match traditional manual methods with values of 3.12 ± 0.61 against 3.14 ± 0.58 and 3.15 ± 0.58, reducing bias in cancer assessment.
In preclinical studies, targeting inaccuracies in bioluminescence imaging revealed an average error of 2.3 mm for 2D images and 1.5 mm for 3D images, necessitating a safety margin of 4-5 mm during radiation treatments.
The development of a pancreatic cancer research model using bioluminescence imaging identified a 10-fold increase in tumor burden over time while sparing healthy tissue during the treatment process.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Surmak study pancreatic cancer?
Yes, Dr. Surmak has developed a novel preclinical model for pancreatic cancer aimed at improving tumor monitoring and treatment methods.
What imaging techniques has Dr. Surmak researched?
He has researched bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and semi-automated methods for measuring liver uptake values to enhance treatment accuracy in cancer care.
How might Dr. Surmak's work benefit cancer patients?
His research aims to improve the accuracy of cancer treatments and enhance the tracking of tumor responses to therapy, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.
Is Dr. Surmak's research relevant for radiation therapy?
Yes, his work focuses on refining imaging techniques that guide radiation therapy, helping to ensure that treatments are delivered precisely where needed.
Publications in plain English
A semi-automated technique determining the liver standardized uptake value reference for tumor delineation in FDG PET-CT.
2014
PloS one
Hirata K, Kobayashi K, Wong KP, Manabe O, Surmak A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a new semi-automated method for measuring the liver's standardized uptake value (SUV) using a type of medical imaging called FDG PET-CT. The results showed that this new technique produced SUV values (3.12 ± 0.61) that were very similar to those obtained using traditional manual methods (3.14 ± 0.58 and 3.15 ± 0.58), meaning it works just as well. This is important because it can reduce the errors and biases that can happen with manual measurements, potentially leading to better assessment of how cancer patients respond to treatment.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Accuracy of Off-Line Bioluminescence Imaging to Localize Targets in Preclinical Radiation Research.
2013
Radiation research
Tuli R, Armour M, Surmak A, Reyes J, Iordachita I +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how accurately off-line bioluminescence imaging (BLI) can help guide radiation treatment in small animals. By testing 11 mouse carcasses, researchers found that the positioning of a bioluminescent source was off by about 2.3 mm when using 2D images and 1.5 mm in 3D. These small errors mean that a larger safety margin of 4-5 mm is needed when delivering radiation, highlighting the need for better technology to improve accuracy.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working in radiation therapy for small animal models.
Accuracy of off-line bioluminescence imaging to localize targets in preclinical radiation research.
2013
Radiation research
Tuli R, Armour M, Surmak A, Reyes J, Iordachita I +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how accurately bioluminescence imaging (BLI) can help locate small soft tissue targets for radiation treatment in mice. Researchers found that the positioning of the targets was off by an average of 2.3 mm using 2D imaging and 1.5 mm using 3D imaging, which means they need to use a larger safety margin of 4-5 mm to ensure precise treatment. These findings highlight the need for better imaging technology during radiation treatments to improve accuracy and minimize errors.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and medical professionals working on cancer treatment in small animal models.
Development of a novel preclinical pancreatic cancer research model: bioluminescence image-guided focal irradiation and tumor monitoring of orthotopic xenografts.
2012
Translational oncology
Tuli R, Surmak A, Reyes J, Hacker-Prietz A, Armour M +7 more
Plain English This study developed a new laboratory model for pancreatic cancer that helps researchers track tumor growth and response to radiation therapy using a special imaging technique called bioluminescence imaging (BLI). They found that BLI accurately measured tumor size and growth, predicting a 10-fold increase in tumor burden over time, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue during irradiation. This model allows for precise treatment monitoring and could lead to improved outcomes for cancer therapy.
Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors by providing better tools for treatment planning and monitoring.
MT2-MMP-dependent release of collagen IV NC1 domains regulates submandibular gland branching morphogenesis.
2009
Developmental cell
Rebustini IT, Myers C, Lassiter KS, Surmak A, Szabova L +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the role of a specific enzyme, called MT2-MMP, in the development of the submandibular salivary gland, focusing on how it helps the gland form its branching structure. Researchers found that when they reduced the activity of MT2-MMP, cell growth and the branching process were significantly impaired—specifically, there was a 70% decrease in proliferation. They also discovered that introducing certain parts of collagen IV could restore the normal branching process, helping cells to grow and develop properly again.
Who this helps: This research can benefit doctors and researchers working on salivary gland disorders and tissue engineering.
Membrane-type MMPs enable extracellular matrix permissiveness and mesenchymal cell proliferation during embryogenesis.
2008
Developmental biology
Shi J, Son MY, Yamada S, Szabova L, Kahan S +4 more
Plain English This study looked at a specific enzyme called MT3-MMP that plays a crucial role in the development of tissues like bone and cartilage during the formation of embryos. The researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme had stunted growth and problems with cell survival in their skeletal tissues. Importantly, when these mice were also missing another related enzyme, it led to even more severe problems, including major issues with mouth and bone development that were not compatible with life.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals working on developmental biology and related birth defects.