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Year: 2010

Who: Nola Hylton

Where: Based in California​

What: Dr. Nola M. Hylton, born in 1957 in Mount Vernon, New York, is a groundbreaking physicist and oncologist whose innovations have transformed the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of breast cancer. As a Professor of Radiology and Director of the Breast Imaging Research Group at the University of California, San Francisco, Hylton is celebrated for her pioneering work in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and evaluate breast cancer.

Hylton’s journey began with a degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1979, followed by a PhD in applied physics from Stanford University in 1985. At Stanford, she developed advanced techniques to assess MRI contrast, laying the groundwork for her contributions to breast cancer imaging. As one of the few Black women in her field at the time, Hylton broke barriers while advancing technology that would save countless lives.

Her work focuses on developing MRI biomarkers to evaluate breast cancer, including dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DW-MRI). These tools provide critical insights into tumor vascularity and response to preoperative chemotherapy, enabling personalized treatment strategies. Hylton has collaborated with industry leaders to develop FDA-approved software that allows automated tumor volume measurement, revolutionizing the way breast cancer response is monitored.

As a principal investigator in landmark clinical trials like I-SPY 1 and I-SPY 2, Hylton demonstrated the ability of MRI to predict therapeutic outcomes, helping guide patient-specific treatment plans. Her contributions have influenced national and international breast cancer screening protocols.

A strong advocate for diversity in science, Hylton serves on UCSF’s Diversity and Inclusion committee and mentors the next generation of researchers. Her work not only advances cancer treatment but also sets a standard for integrating innovation, equity, and excellence in healthcare.

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2800 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

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