ANIMAL IMAGING CORE

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Imaging studies offer the potential for non-invasive detection of key molecules that are important in prostate cancer biology and medicine. The goal of the Small Animal Imaging Core is to provide imaging research support to investigators who are involved in defining a prostate cancer signature, often at the molecular level. Imaging studies may serve as a non-invasive phenotypic correlate of the molecular changes. The primary responsibility of the Small Animal Imaging Core will be to provide positron emission tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), optical, and magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy capability at the highest spatial resolution possible to monitor the effect of molecular changes and for the study of cancer biology in animal models. Available instrumentation include 2 magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy systems (4.7T/40 cm bore and 7.0T/31 cm bore systems), 2 MIcroPET systems, MicroCT, MicroSPECT, and optical imaging equipment (IVIS) for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging. Achievements of the Small Animal Imaging Core during the last interval include 14 publications and 2 grants directly related to small animal imaging based on SPORE funded research. Based on our previous experience, a significant portion of the imaging research performed will focus on obtaining high resolution anatomic imaging. The goals of these studies will be to detect tumor at minimal burden, characterize growth rates, and monitor response to novel therapies. Some of these studies (RP4) may utilize novel imaging schemes such as imaging 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) as a proliferation marker, MR spectroscopic measurements of proliferation (and correlate the PET and MR data with each other and Ki67 measurements), and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI to evaluate antiangiogenesis agents. In addition, we will evaluate different PET radionuclide tracers as potential imaging agents including 11C-methionine, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, 18F-fluorodihydrotestosterone and 1241- iododeoxyuridine) which will be correlated with pathologic data. A major emphasis will be to assure a physiologically appropriate environment during imaging studies (temperature control, heart and respiratory rate). Construction of a radiofrequency resonator designed to image multiple mice simultaneously with inhalation anesthesia, temperature monitoring etc. will be done. To enhance spatial resolution, more sensitive resonators coils will be investigated. As a core facility, the main goal will be to provide state of the art imaging capability, improvements in image processing and analysis to enhance the accuracy of multimodality imaging (supported in collaboration with other grants), and appropriate radiotracers which will be provided by the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Core of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center