Ralph Mason

Ralph Mason is a Professor of Radiology and Director of the Cancer Imaging Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. His research focuses on prognostic radiology, developing imaging techniques to predict cancer therapy response and assess early treatment efficacy. He is affiliated with the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of Radiology, contributing to graduate programs in Biomedical Engineering and Cancer Biology. His work involves advanced MRI methods (e.g., oxygen-sensitive MRI, TOLD/BOLD) and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) for tumor characterization. Key projects include preclinical and translational studies on lung, prostate, and kidney cancers, with funding from NCI, CPRIT, and DOD. Mason leads the Mason Lab and collaborates with institutions like the UT Southwestern Small Animal Imaging Resource.

Research Highlights:

• Oxygenation imaging in tumors
• Vascular disrupting agents (OXi8006/7, Combretastatin)
• Integration of MRI with radiation therapy

Major Contributions: Over 118 publications, including seminal work on tumor oxygenation biomarkers and VDA mechanisms. His lab develops novel imaging probes (e.g., chemiluminescent sensors, optoacoustic agents) and translational tools like the MR-CBCT image-guided radiotherapy system.