Brian Taylor
Associate Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Imaging Physics
The focus of my research is the development, optimization, and standardization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and post-processing techniques to aid not only in the diagnosis of cancer, but also in planning treatments, in evaluating treatment response and in measuring the long term effects of cancer and cancer therapy. In treatment planning, I collaborate with imaging physics and neuroradiology colleagues in optimizing MRI techniques, such as functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), for neurosurgical planning. In relation to cancer and long term effects, I have collaborations with MD Anderson’s Department of Behavioral Science to use fMRI and MR spectroscopy methods to quantitatively evaluate brain function in patients with nicotine addiction. We are also interested in optimizing and standardizing MRI acquisitions and advanced post-processing techniques in quantitatively evaluating the long-term effects of cancer and cancer therapy. This includes longitudinal assessment of brain function, including brain volumes and perfusion, in cancer survivors. Students working in our group will learn the physics of MRI and its applications particularly in oncology and neuroscience. Students will have opportunities to develop image acquisition and/or processing techniques to provide quantitative metrics that can be used to aid in diagnosis, treatment planning and/or evaluation of treatment effects.
Education & Training
PhD, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, 2010