Dr. Jane Park Ko, MD

Research interests have centered on the use of thin-section CT and development of computer techniques to evaluate for, characterize and follow up small pulmonary nodules. Small pulmonary nodules are difficult to detect given their size, and research has addressed the influence of computer aided diagnosis and image compression on nodule detection. Additionally, small pulmonary nodules are not easily characterized in terms of benign or malignant potential by other modalities such as lung biopsy or PET, secondary to size constraints. Current methods for assessing these nodules may be improved by the application of computer methods, such as volume and growth analysis. Technology that enables registration of two CT studies of a patient performed at different times has been investigated and may facilitate the comparison of multiple CT studies in patients with multiple nodules. Dr. Ko enjoys involving residents and medical students on her research projects.