Peter S. LaViolette, PhD: Radio-pathomic Mapping of Brain and Prostate Cancer

Peter S. LaViolette, PhD

Robert C. Olson, MD Endowed Professor of Radiology
Director, Radiology Quantitative Imaging Laboratory
Professor of Radiology, Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering
Medical College of Wisconsin

Abstract

Radio-pathomics, the integration of radiological imaging with whole slide pathological imaging, is changing our approach to cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis. This talk presents our research in both brain and prostate cancer, showcasing how radio-pathomic models are providing insights into tumor behavior and patient outcomes. In prostate cancer, our recent studies have developed radio-pathomic models capable of predicting biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy. These models, which combine multi-parametric MRI data with detailed histopathological analysis, offer a non-invasive means of identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive post-surgical management. In brain cancer imaging, we have developed advanced radio-pathomic models that can detect tumor invasion beyond the contrast-enhancing regions typically used to define surgical margins. These studies leverage our radiology-focussed neuro-oncological brain bank. This work has significant implications for neurosurgical and radiation treatment planning, potentially allowing for more complete tumor treatment and improved patient outcomes. This seminar will discuss the methodologies behind these models, including tissue processing, machine learning techniques, image analysis, and histopathological correlation. Discussion will include the clinical implications of our findings and integration of radio-pathomic maps into routine clinical practice for personalized cancer care.

Short Bio

Peter S. LaViolette is a Professor of Radiology, Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He holds the Robert C. Olson Professorship in Radiology and serves as the Director of the Radiology Quantitative Imaging Laboratory and the MCW Cancer Center’s Translational Metabolomics Shared Resource. Dr. LaViolette received his Ph.D. in Biophysics from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2011. His research focuses on advanced brain cancer and prostate cancer characterization using MRI, with particular emphasis on radio-pathomics. He has made significant contributions to the fields of neuro-oncology and prostate cancer imaging, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences. Dr. LaViolette is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and has secured substantial research funding from various sources including the NIH and NCI.