Physics Commons^™

Simulating 129-Xe Hyperpolarization, Jacob F. Abiad

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Hyperpolarized 129-Xe is an important resource in many fields of medical physics and MRI research. The physics of the efficient production of hyperpolarized 129-Xe is therefore equally worth investigation. The main process of hyperpolarizing 129-Xe is Spin Exchange Optical Pumping (SEOP) and is dependent on several physical factors that can be difficult to constantly change in a lab setting. Physical modelling of 129-Xe hyperpolarization allows for the more efficient testing of hyperpolarization physics in a wide array of experimental setups to better determine the optimal values for hyperpolarization. This research project attempted to create a working model for 129-Xe hyperpolarization …

Numerical Simulation Of Adaptive Metabolic Response To Anti-Angiogenic Treatment In Renal Cell Carcinoma, Saranya Varakunan

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Renal cell carcinoma, a malignant kidney cancer, is often treated using anti-angiogenic drugs to prevent the growth of blood vessels within the tumour. Although tumours initially respond to this treatment, they eventually develop resistance. This resistance is hypothesized to be caused by a switch to a symbiotic metabolism that allows cells to survive even with a low blood supply.

This project seeks to computationally model the transport of oxygen, lactate, and glucose within a tumour in order to examine how cancer metabolism adapts to changes in blood vessels.