Title: Preclinical SPECT/CT/PET imaging at Hillman Cancer Center

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary The Mediso nanoScan SPECT 4H/ CT1512 / PET122S imager is being requested to replace and upgrade an Inveon PET/CT scanner within the In Vivo Imaging Facility (IVIF) at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (UPMC Hillman). The Inveon PET/CT has been a critical instrument for UPMC Hillman investigators and other investigators at Pitt; however, there is a great need to replace this scanner as the repairs due to aging are becoming more frequent and costly. More concerningly, repairs will be limited as replacement parts are no longer being manufactured and if a critical part is not available, the Inveon PET/CT would no longer be operational. Following a comprehensive review of commercially available small animal scanners, we selected the Mediso nanoScan SPECT 4H/ CT1512 / PET122S as it allows the IVIF users to continue to perform PET/CT and CT imaging with improved resolution and sensitivity, as well as offer SPECT imaging as a new modality, to continue to support and expand IVIF users. We have identified 6 major users and 5 minor users that are funded by 7 R01s, 1 K08, 1 DoD, and 2 other funding sources. The IVIF is a shared resource that is supported by the Hillman Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is well-suited to support this instrumentation and its users. The IVIF also provide additional resources and services to support the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapy including a radiochemistry laboratory, radio- approved space and animal housing, image analysis software, and the expertise in the development and assessment of novel radiopharmaceuticals through preclinical imaging. The Mediso nanoScan SPECT/PET/CT will provide University of Pittsburgh’s researchers the resource needed to continue to conduct molecular imaging with radiopharmaceuticals to visualize and monitor metabolic processes; detect and diagnosis cancer cells; monitor response to therapies; and assess and optimize the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents.