uPAR-Targeted Theranostics in Gliomas - Translational Studies of Imaging, Prognostication, and Therapy

PhD defence by Aleena Azam

Assessment Committee

Professor Michael Bachmann Nielsen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Malene Grubbe Hildebrandt, Forskningsenhed for Klinisk fysiologi og nuklearmedicin, Odense UniversitetsHospital
Associate professor Henrietta Nittby Redebrandt, Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Division of Neurosurgery.

Supervisors

Professor Andreas Kjær
Clinical Associate Professor Jane Skjøth

Department

Department of Biomedical Sciences

Graduate Programme

Medical and Molecular Imaging

Place

Building: Panum Bygningen, Room: Henrik Dam Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200

Email address to gain access to the thesis: aleena_azam@outlook.dk.
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Short description of the thesis

Gliomas are the most common malignant primary brain tumors in adults, with glioblastoma representing the most aggressive subtype. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma remains associated with poor survival, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

This PhD thesis investigates the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), which is associated with tumor invasion and progression, as a potential target for molecular imaging and therapy. Through clinical PET imaging studies and preclinical investigations in patient-derived glioblastoma models, the thesis examines whether uPAR can provide diagnostic and prognostic information and serve as a target for radioligand therapy.

Together, these studies explore the potential of uPAR as a theranostic target in gliomas.