In this dissertation, we outline our efforts to introduce an advanced MRI imaging technique called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to the pediatric brain tumor population. We discuss the theory and application of DTI as it was performed in a series of translational investigations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We present evidence of how the introduction of this technique impacted diagnosis, and treatment. And finally, we demonstrate how DTI was used to investigate cognitive morbidities associated with cancer treatment and how this research provided insight into the underlying pathophysiology involved in the development of these treatment sequela.
This research has generated important insights into the fundamental causes of neuroanatomical and cognitive deficits associated with cancer and cancer therapy. The use of DTI has permitted us to identify potential targets for improved radiological and surgical techniques as well as targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions that might improve cognitive function in cancer survivors. The discoveries here afford us an opportunity to reduce the negative effects of cancer therapy on patients treated in the future while maintaining successful survival rates.
","abstract_html":"<p>In this dissertation, we outline our efforts to introduce an advanced MRI imaging technique called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to the pediatric brain tumor population. We discuss the theory and application of DTI as it was performed in a series of translational investigations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We present evidence of how the introduction of this technique impacted diagnosis, and treatment. And finally, we demonstrate how DTI was used to investigate cognitive morbidities associated with cancer treatment and how this research provided insight into the underlying pathophysiology involved in the development of these treatment sequela. </p> <p>This research has generated important insights into the fundamental causes of neuroanatomical and cognitive deficits associated with cancer and cancer therapy. The use of DTI has permitted us to identify potential targets for improved radiological and surgical techniques as well as targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions that might improve cognitive function in cancer survivors. The discoveries here afford us an opportunity to reduce the negative effects of cancer therapy on patients treated in the future while maintaining successful survival rates. </p>","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Phillips, Nicholas S."],"institution":null,"degree_name":"Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)","degree_level":"Dissertation","degree_discipline":"Biomedical Engineering and Imaging","degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":["Robert J. Ogg Ph.D."],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2009,"date_issued":"2009-05-01T07:00:00Z","date_published":"2009-05-01T07:00:00Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T05:00:17Z","subjects":["DTI","imaging","pediatrics","brain tumors","cancer","MRI","Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment","Diagnosis","Medicine and Health Sciences"],"languages":[],"rights":[],"rights_urls":[],"identifier_entries":[]},"links":{"outbound_url":"https://dc.uthsc.edu/dissertations/201","outbound_label":"Repository record","outbound_source":"dc:identifier"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor","label":"Contributor","values":["Robert J. Ogg Ph.D."]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Phillips, Nicholas S."]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.available","label":"Dc Date Available","values":["2016-06-09T07:00:00Z"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Biomedical Engineering and Imaging"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["Dissertation"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["DTI","imaging","pediatrics","brain tumors","cancer","MRI","Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment","Diagnosis","Medicine and Health Sciences"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier","label":"Identifier","values":["https://dc.uthsc.edu/dissertations/201"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["In this dissertation, we outline our efforts to introduce an advanced MRI imaging technique called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to the pediatric brain tumor population. We discuss the theory and application of DTI as it was performed in a series of translational investigations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We present evidence of how the introduction of this technique impacted diagnosis, and treatment. And finally, we demonstrate how DTI was used to investigate cognitive morbidities associated with cancer treatment and how this research provided insight into the underlying pathophysiology involved in the development of these treatment sequela.
This research has generated important insights into the fundamental causes of neuroanatomical and cognitive deficits associated with cancer and cancer therapy. The use of DTI has permitted us to identify potential targets for improved radiological and surgical techniques as well as targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions that might improve cognitive function in cancer survivors. The discoveries here afford us an opportunity to reduce the negative effects of cancer therapy on patients treated in the future while maintaining successful survival rates.
"]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor":["Robert J. Ogg Ph.D."],"dc:creator":["Phillips, Nicholas S."],"dc:date.available":["2016-06-09T07:00:00Z"],"dc:description.abstract":["In this dissertation, we outline our efforts to introduce an advanced MRI imaging technique called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to the pediatric brain tumor population. We discuss the theory and application of DTI as it was performed in a series of translational investigations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We present evidence of how the introduction of this technique impacted diagnosis, and treatment. And finally, we demonstrate how DTI was used to investigate cognitive morbidities associated with cancer treatment and how this research provided insight into the underlying pathophysiology involved in the development of these treatment sequela.
This research has generated important insights into the fundamental causes of neuroanatomical and cognitive deficits associated with cancer and cancer therapy. The use of DTI has permitted us to identify potential targets for improved radiological and surgical techniques as well as targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions that might improve cognitive function in cancer survivors. The discoveries here afford us an opportunity to reduce the negative effects of cancer therapy on patients treated in the future while maintaining successful survival rates.
"],"dc:identifier":["https://dc.uthsc.edu/dissertations/201"],"dc:subject":["DTI","imaging","pediatrics","brain tumors","cancer","MRI","Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment","Diagnosis","Medicine and Health Sciences"],"dc:title":["Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients"],"thesis:degree_discipline":["Biomedical Engineering and Imaging"],"thesis:degree_level":["Dissertation"],"thesis:degree_name":["Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-24T05:00:17Z"}