Translational Bioimaging Core Shared Resource

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: TRANSLATIONAL BIOIMAGING CORE SHARED RESOURCE Preclinical imaging research permits minimally or non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of disease processes such as tumor initiation, kinetics and metastatic spread, and treatment response in animals, the understanding of which is vital to Consortium research and contributes to cures for human disease. The Translational BioImaging Core Shared Resource (TBICSR) provides a comprehensive collection of imaging resources (e.g. optical, MRI, ultrasound, CT, PET/CT, etc.) and support for Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium research. As studying different forms of cancer requires the availability of different methods of imaging, TBICSR accomplishes this by implementing a cost effective, multi-institutional shared-use model of diverse imaging resources and expertise. Overseen by Director Robert MiyaokaCBB, PhD, TBICSR are located primarily at Fred Hutch and University of Washington, but are available to all Consortium members. TBICSR staff have numerous years of experience conducting research imaging studies and animal handling and management. TBICSR supports users through integrating experts, called consultants, in each of its supported imaging modalities to assist in study design, data acquisition and image analysis. TBICSR staff further accelerate discovery by assisting with IACUC protocol development, grant proposals and publications. TBICSR has also instituted routine procedures for interinstitutional IACUC approval and animal transport and housing to eliminate the burden of coordination and administration for users. During the current funding cycle TBICSR added $2.4M of advanced imaging systems for Consortium members including (1) an MR Solutions 7T/3T non-cryogenic MRI/MRS system (via S10 SIG); (2) a VisualSonics Vevo F2 US system (via S10 SIG); (3) a Perkin Elmer Quantum GX2 microCT; (4) an Emit Imaging Xerra micro Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography system; and (5) an additional IVIS Spectrum. In addition, TBICSR has expanded its imaging expertise by adding Dr. Neal ParagasZY, Mr. Mark Muzi, and Ms. Elena Carlson, all of whom have expertise in optical imaging, multi- photon intra-vital imaging, data analysis and kinetic modeling between them. Mr. Muzi is a current and two-time recipient of an NIH NCI R50 Research Specialist Award. TBICSR staff members, including directors, modality experts and imaging specialists, meet bimonthly to discuss the operation of the core. TBICSR is advertised on Consortium institutions’ websites and via the Consortium Newsletter. For each of its imaging technologies, TBICSR offers both group and individual consultations and educational sessions. These allow Consortium users to learn how imaging expands the scope of their ongoing preclinical studies, as well as best practices for data interpretation. TBICSR obtained an “Outstanding” ranking in the last CCSG cycle. The strengths of the resource continue to be the expertise of its imaging modality consultants and the large variety of specialized major instrumentation available to serve the investigational needs of Consortium members. We will continue to bring new expertise to TBICSR; facilitate more inter- institutional resource usage; develop multi-modality imaging tools; and collaborate with investigators to optimize their image analysis tools and methods.