Dr. Robert Ivkov

Dr. Ivkov’s research focuses on the development and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and AMF-devices for cancer therapy. Upon his arrival to the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in early 2008, Dr. Ivkov began a broad research program with the aim to develop clinical applications of heat-based therapies for metastatic cancer. A significant aspect of this research interest is the development and characterization of nanoparticle formulations and magnetic coil components that produce therapeutic heat in animal models of human cancer, particularly when combined with other therapeutic agents. The nature of this research is multi-disciplinary and translational, and thus requires a diverse research team comprising multiple skills. His M.Sc. project was theoretical and fundamental focusing on understanding the nature of colloid stability. Magnetic nanoparticle suspensions are colloids and his early theoretical research, post-doctoral training, and ongoing collaborative research with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides access to unique tools and insight into the physical and biological implications of these systems. His Ph.D. research focused on the thermodynamic properties of actin polymerization as a reversible higher order phase transition. To complete the work he developed expertise in the methods needed to isolate, purify, and characterize proteins, and he gained an appreciation for the implications of heat in biological systems. His experience in the private sector is more directly related to the translational aspects of his current research. After leaving NIST, he co-founded Triton BioSystems, Inc. in 2002 to develop targeted nanoparticle therapeutic agents for the treatment of local cancer. At Triton, Dr. Ivkov led product development efforts directed to targeted magnetic nanoparticle and devices for local ablative thermal therapy of cancer. He developed a magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle construct that is now commercially available for research, and that has been used in canine clinical trials of cancer. He has published over eighty scientific papers and patents (issued and pending) in nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, magnetic devices, colloid and interface science, neutron scattering, and targeted therapy. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Convergent Science Physical Oncology, and he has been a member of the International Journal of Hyperthermia Editorial Board since 2012.