Imaging and Radiation Shared Resource

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

IMAGING AND RADIATION SHARED RESOURCE: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Imaging and Radiation Shared Resource (IRSR) provides value to and enhances the mission of the Wilmot Cancer Institute (Wilmot) by offering education and leading edge experimental resources for all Wilmot investigators that undertake developmental preclinical cancer studies using animal models. Brian Marples, PhD (CM), and V. Kaye Thomas, PhD (ZY), lead the IRSR. The IRSR’s goal is to provide access to state-of-the-art tissue imaging and image-targeted irradiation technologies for all Wilmot investigators, including system-appropriate standardization of methodologies to ensure precision and reproducibility among individual investigators and projects, and between investigators, along with in-depth training. Preclinical studies have adopted clinically equivalent experimental approaches that employ animal models and utilize advanced imaging techniques for both validation of the model and as endpoint assays. For example, for all Wilmot investigators, the IRSR creates dose volume histogram-based radiation plans on an animal-by-animal basis that exploit multiple integrated treatment beams, confirming dosimetry, thus delivering the required radiation dose to the tumor-target volume while minimizing exposure to normal tissues. In addition, pairing targeted radiation dose delivery instrumentation with advanced imaging modalities, such as high-resolution, multi-dimensional confocal or multiphoton microscopy, has elevated state-of-the-art irradiators beyond the scope of most independent laboratories. The IRSR maintains advanced imaging equipment to system-appropriate standards, ensures experimental reproducibility of cancer-related studies, and provides the essential radiation dosimetry needed to operate within nationally recommended best-practice treatment guidelines. Overall, these procedures are designed to ensure greater rigor and reproducibility in accordance with the current standards in the field, as adherence to standardization maintains accuracy and consistency for all cross-program collaborations. Moreover, direct linkage between all preclinical models with data collection and analysis allows for pre-publication sharing of investigational improvements and innovations across various projects, thus minimizing duplication of effort. Reproducible animal modeling and imaging services are essential components of preclinical developmental research to identify and develop novel therapeutic strategies or improve existing strategies, as well as to investigate complex tumor biology. The Cancer Microenvironment and Genetics, Epigenetics and Metabolism research programs predominantly use the IRSR, with over 34% of Wilmot investigators utilizing IRSR services and resources since November 2022. Since 2019, the IRSR has supported >75 peer-reviewed publications and more than 36 NIH-funded (nine NCI-funded) grants led by Wilmot members. Moving forward, the IRSR has invested in enhanced microscopy technology (light sheet) in response to user surveys and developed best practices and standard operating procedures that include radiation dose verification across all radiation platforms and investigators to ensure the accuracy of radiation targeting and dosing.