I am a physician scientist and a 20-year experienced clinical neuroradiologist with a strong interest in neuroimaging research. My research is mainly focused on advanced magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging, and in particular on non-invasive quantification of disease burden through MR, with the aim of definition of disease natural history and outcome measures in translational and clinical neuroimaging. I have long-standing experience in quantitative MR imaging of brain and spinal cord, with specific expertise in lesion load quantification, volumetric analyses and microstructural damage quantification through diffusion tensor imaging analyses, in the setting of several neurological diseases. As Director of Neuroimaging Research at Boston Children鈥檚 Hospital and as Director of Clinical Affairs of the Advanced MR Imaging Center (AMRIC), UMASS core imaging facility, I am fostering clinical MR imaging (MRI) research, by providing my experience in advanced MRI techniques, and in validating MR-based outcome measures in clinical trials. I have authored 67 scientific papers (total impact factor: 458.282; h index: 26; total citations: over 3.300 – Scopus) in the field of neuroimaging with a particular focus on advanced MRI techniques, stem cell imaging, brain tumors, vascular diseases, neuromuscular disorders and inherited neurodegenerative disorders. I have collaborated to the validation of new PET radiotracers and to the development of an integrated SPECT/MRI multimodal imaging apparatus. I have performed the central radiology review for several international multi-centric studies on brain, orbit and neuromuscular disorders.
- AIRC 2014 03/01/2015 鈥� 03/31/2019 Prognostic value of 18F-FAZA PET/CT in high grade glioma: comparison with MRI and correlation with hypoxia biomarkers Main Goals: assessment of accuracy of PET and perfusion/permeability MRI in detecting hypoxia within high grade brain tumors. Role: Co-Investigator
- 2017 – 2019: US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity: Microglia-Targeted MRI/PET Traceable Nanovectors: Theranostic Platform for Tracking and Shaping Microglia Reactivity to Improve ALS Therapy. Main goals: To validate the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles targeted to activated microglia and optimized for controlled release of small molecules or oligonucleotydes in rodent models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Role: Co-investigator Completed support: European Union FP7
- 2013 – 2017: INSERT (INtegrated SPECT-MRI for Enhanced stratification of Radio-chemio Therapy) Main Goals: development and preclinical and clinical validation of an integrated SPECT-MRI system Role: P.I. of Unit
- Politi LS, Bacigaluppi M, Brambilla E, Cadioli M, Falini A, Comi G, Scotti G, Martino G, Pluchino S. . Stem Cells. 2007; 25(10):2583-92.
- Luchetti A, Milani D, Ruffini F, Galli R, Falini A, Quattrini A, Scotti G, Comi G, Martino G, Furlan R, Politi LS. . Mol Imaging. 2012; 11(2):114-25.
- Cianciaruso C, Pagani A, Martelli C, Bacigaluppi M, Squadrito ML, Lo Dico A, De Palma M, Furlan R, Lucignani G, Falini A, Biffi A, Ottobrini L, Politi LS. . Nanomedicine. 2014; 9(10):1457-74.
- Mazzoleni S, Politi LS, Pala M, Cominelli M, Franzin A, Sergi Sergi L, Falini A, De Palma M, Bulfone A, Poliani PL, Galli R. . Cancer Res. 2010; 70(19):7500-13.
- Visigalli I, Delai S, Politi LS, Di Domenico C, Cerri F, Mrak E, D’Isa R, Ungaro D, Stok M, Sanvito F, Mariani E, Staszewsky L, Godi C, Russo I, Cecere F, Del Carro U, Rubinacci A, Brambilla R, Quattrini A, Di Natale P, Ponder K, Naldini L, Biffi A. . Blood. 2010; 116(24):5130-9. PMCID: PMC3709639.