Instruments and Services
Instruments
The Small Animal Radiation Research Platform is a multiuse instrument capable of two imaging modalities to guide radiation delivery in mice or rats. The cone beam CT feature offers enough resolution that imaging is provided as a standalone service. Using the CT feature to guide radiation allows for extremely precise radiation to small areas or to specifically avoid off-target exposures. The portal imaging feature allows the skeletal anatomy to guide radiation to general areas of the animal and facilitates high throughput workflow for large experiments.
- Small Animal Radiation Research Platform
The Small Animal Radiation Research Platform can be used irradiate animals in a manner that mimics clinically available equipment for human cancer treatments. Whole body radiation and targeted radiation to induce normal tissue damage are also well-developed models in this core. Additionally, we offer CT imaging services to fit the needs of the investigator, including analysis of tumor growth curves when appropriate.
Services
The Small Animal Radiation Research Platform is operated exclusively by our staff. Training is not available for users to learn to operate the machine. However, if other procedures are required in parallel, we have a hood available near the machine. At all times, users are welcome and encouraged to be present during the experiments.
- CT Image Guided Radiation
CT imaging followed by radiation planning can be accomplished in 5-10 minutes per animal. Radiation immediately follows and the length of time is dependent on the total dose delivered. Estimated time per animal is 10-15 minutes depending on the complexity of the dose planning and difficulty of the irradiation target. This service allows treatment of one animal at a time and is the most time consuming, but most accurate. - Portal Image Guided Radiation
Portal imaging uses one initial CT scan to plan dose and delivery schemes for many mice. The image modality is a live 2D filtered X-ray, so the primary visible structures are skeletal. Using various bones as landmarks, the beam is aligned. A custom three-mouse bed can be used allowing for a high throughput workflow. Depending on the dose administered this service requires 2-4 minutes per mouse. - CT Imaging
We have extensive expertise in imaging orthotopic prostate tumors to monitor growth and have published the advantages of this technique. Collaborators have also utilized the imaging capabilities to test contrast agents, to monitor surgical modifications to spines and to use to the density contouring to estimate fat depots in mice. We can work with investigators to expand the imaging capabilities to other applications.