Topic: Merging Diagnosis with Personalized Treatment
Join us for Techna Rounds as we welcome Dr. John Valliant to be our speaker for the month. Dr. Valliant is internationally recognized for his work in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. His current research focuses on developing new radiolabeling methods and compound discovery strategies to create clinically relevant molecular imaging probes and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. He is also the CEO of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC), a not-for-profit corporation established in 2008. The CPDC is focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry, by enabling the development and commercialization of promising imaging probes and associated technologies. In 2009, Dr. Valliant was selected as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, a distinction that recognizes his work at CPDC and McMaster University to advance molecular imaging probe technologies, improve patient care and spur on economic growth through commercialization of Canadian ideas. Dr. Valliant has published more than 100 papers, patents and conference proceedings. He has been invited to speak at scientific conferences and leading research centres the world over, including the plenary lecture at the 2009 Society of Nuclear Medicine meeting. Dr. Valliant completed his PhD at McMaster University, and followed with a post-doctoral fellowship under the joint supervision of professors Alun G. Jones (Harvard) and Alan Davison (MIT). Returning to McMaster in 1999 as an assistant professor, he was promoted to full professor in July 2013.
Modern medicine, aiming at longevity and comfort of life, requires early and specific disease detection. As each of us is different we also require individualized approach for effective treatment. At the same time our health care system faces challenges associated with increasing costs. To reach these goals and successfully deal with the challenges merging of recent advances in surgery, radiation therapy, nanotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, various imaging and treatment technologies is essential. Based on my experience I will present examples of current technological solutions focusing on a multidisciplinary approach and I will discuss future directions in this area.