CMTI Research

Our research focuses on key areas on molecular imaging and translational technology development such as:

Multimodality Molecular Imaging

Development and application of small-animal and clinical imaging approaches, including PET/CT, SPECT, x-ray computed tomography, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

Near-infrared Fluorescence and Optical Imaging

Development of NIR fluorescence imaging instrumentation, tomographic algorithms, and image-analysis methods for preclinical and human studies.

Lymphatic Imaging and Lymphatic Medicine

Use of NIR fluorescence imaging to visualize lymphatic function, lymphovascular dysfunction, cerebrospinal fluid outflow, and lymphatic contributions to disease.

Image-guided Translational Studies

Application of imaging to guide therapeutic delivery, evaluate treatment response, and support clinical decision-making in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, pediatrics, and related fields.

Molecular Probe and Imaging-agent Development

Design, production, and validation of nuclear, fluorescent, and NIR imaging agents for assessing molecular pathways, disease progression, and therapeutic response.

Regulatory and Clinical Translation

Support for investigational imaging studies, including regulatory strategy, quality assurance, compliance, and FDA-facing Phase I and Phase I/II device/drug studies.

Research Capabilities

CMTI provides expertise and infrastructure in:

Small-animal imaging, including PET/CT, SPECT, optical tomography, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and NIR fluorescence imaging
Molecular probe development, including radiochemistry, fluorescence chemistry, NIR agents, and gene-reporter systems
Optical engineering, photon migration modeling, fluorescence tomography, and computational image analysis
Preclinical study design, imaging protocol development, and translational imaging workflows
Regulatory, quality assurance, and compliance support for investigational imaging and combination device/drug studies

Lymphatic Imaging and Lymphedema Resources

CMTI has long-standing expertise in lymphatic imaging and lymphovascular disease. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging can be used to visualize lymphatic function and identify patterns of lymphatic dysfunction in human subjects, supporting research into lymphedema, cancer-related lymphatic injury, and other lymphatic disorders.

CMTI’s lymphatic imaging and translational research programs are closely aligned with UTHealth Houston’s role as a Lymphatic Education & Research Network Center of Excellence.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid when lymphatic drainage is impaired. It can occur after cancer treatment, surgery, radiation therapy, infection, injury, or other conditions that disrupt normal lymphatic flow.

Common symptoms may include swelling, heaviness, tightness, numbness, aching, or a feeling of fullness in the affected area.

What are the management and treatment options?

Lymphedema care may include:

Compression garments, wraps, bandaging, or pneumatic compression devices
Manual lymphatic drainage performed by a certified lymphedema therapist
Exercise and movement programs recommended by a healthcare professional
Skin care to reduce infection risk
Surgical or microsurgical interventions in selected advanced cases

Patients should consult their physician or certified lymphedema therapist for individualized evaluation and treatment recommendations.

Where can I learn more about lymphatics and lymphedema?

Please use the following resources: