Henry VanBrocklin

Henry VanBrocklin, PhD, is a Professor in Residence and Director of the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program in the Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging (CMFI) at the University of California, San Francisco. He also serves as a Joint Faculty Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is a core faculty member for the Master's in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) program.

Dr. VanBrocklin received his educational training from:

• Doctor of Philosophy: Washington University, St. Louis - Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
• Postdoctoral Fellow: University of Illinois, Urbana

Dr. VanBrocklin's research focuses on radiopharmaceutical chemistry and molecular imaging. His work centers on developing novel radiotracers for PET and SPECT imaging applications, with particular emphasis on cancer imaging (prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer) and neurological imaging. His laboratory specializes in short-lived radioisotope production and the creation of fluorine-18 and carbon-11 labeling chemistry strategies for new radiotracer preparations.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on prostate cancer imaging and therapy using PSMA-targeted agents, CD46-targeted theranostics, and novel nanocarrier systems for enhanced tumor penetration. There's also significant work on T-cell imaging using [18F]F-AraG for applications in infectious disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer immunotherapy monitoring.

Dr. VanBrocklin has received numerous prestigious awards:

• Paul C. Aebersold Award, SNMMI, 2023
• Western Pioneer Award, Western Regional SNMMI, 2022
• Fellow, Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, SRS, 2021
• Michael J. Welch Award, RPSC, SNMMI, 2020
• MSBI Outstanding Teacher Award (2019, 2021, 2023)
• Distinguished Investigator, Acad Radiol & Biomed Imag Res, 2018
• Fellow, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, SNMMI, 2018

As Director of the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program at UCSF's CMFI, Dr. VanBrocklin oversees a major research operation that develops and produces radiotracers for both basic science and clinical research. His laboratory has secured significant funding for developing novel imaging agents and therapeutic approaches, particularly in the area of targeted alpha therapy for prostate cancer. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Imaging (2011-2025) and has been instrumental in advancing regulatory frameworks for PET drug development.

Dr. VanBrocklin leads the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program at UCSF's Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging, which includes radiochemistry laboratories, imaging facilities, and a team of researchers focused on developing novel radiotracers and imaging methodologies. His program collaborates extensively with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he holds a joint appointment, facilitating access to advanced isotope production capabilities.