RSNA Research Fellow Grant Awarded to Dr. Wali Badar for Innovative HCC Study
RSNA Research Fellow Grant Awarded to Dr. Wali Badar for Innovative HCC Study
Dr. Wali Badar has been awarded the prestigious RSNA Research Fellow Grant for his ground-breaking project titled “Noninvasive Molecular Stratification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with Imaging and Liquid Biopsy.”
This research aims to revolutionize the detection and prognosis of HCC, the most common type of liver cancer, by combining advanced imaging techniques with a novel liquid biopsy technology. The liquid biopsy will detect HCC-specific mutations in blood samples, enhancing early diagno-sis. Additionally, integrating imaging biomarkers with this liquid biopsy assay will help classify tumors into two key molecular subtypes: Proliferative and Non-Proliferative HCC.
By stratifying tumors based on their molecular profiles, this study could lead to personalized, ge-netically tailored therapies, improving treatment outcomes for HCC patients. The project, running from July 2025 to July 2026, involves collaboration with Prof. Brian Cunningham from the Univer-sity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Dr. Badar’s advisory team includes Dr. Ron Gaba, Dr. Ukamaka Atueyi, and Dr. Lobna Elkhadragy. Their expertise will support this cutting-edge research, which has the potential to transform HCC management.