MicroPET/CT for Small Animal Imaging

描述（申请人提供）：在过去的十年中，分子成像已经成为医学成像研究中最重要的新方向。本学科的目标是使用和开发新的仪器、技术和探针，以了解人类生物学和疾病的分子和遗传基础。通过这项提议，我们寻求获得最先进的西门子（原协和微系统）混合microPET/microCAT QS扫描仪，以支持跨越生物医学研究广度的多个项目，并将大大加强UCSF的分子成像研究。微型PET/CT将高分辨率PET与高分辨率CT结合起来，提高了灵敏度，无需移动受试者或在独立扫描仪之间转移床，即可提供功能和解剖成像。UCSF在生物医学研究和医学成像方面处于世界领先地位，最近开设了分子和功能成像中心（CMFI）。重要的资源已被用于巩固放射科成像研究项目，场地回旋加速器，提供实验室基础设施和招聘关键人才，以建立一个世界级的放射性药物开发和成像项目。通过为UCSF研究界提供重要的分子成像工具，microPET/CT是实现CMFI长期目标所迫切需要的关键组件之一。已经确定了17个主要由NIH资助的研究项目，它们将直接受益于微型pet /CT。该系统将通过促进当前的研究以及在加州大学旧金山分校和大旧金山湾区内合作机构的未来NIH项目，显著增强分子成像研究计划。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Over the past decade, molecular imaging has emerged as the most important new direction in medical imaging research. This discipline is targeted at the use and development of new instrumentation, techniques, and probes for understanding the molecular and genetic basis of human biology and disease. With this proposal we seek to acquire a state-of-the-art Siemens (formerly Concorde Microsystems) hybrid microPET/microCAT QS scanner to support multiple projects that span the breadth of biomedical research and will greatly enhance molecular imaging research at UCSF. The microPET/CT will combine a high resolution PET with improved sensitivity and a high resolution CT to afford both functional and anatomical imaging without having to move the subject or transfer a bed between to independent scanners. UCSF, a world leader in biomedical research and medical imaging, has recently opened the Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging (CMFI). Significant resources have been committed to consolidate the Department of Radiology imaging research programs, site a cyclotron, provide the laboratory infrastructure and recruit key personnel to build a world class radiopharmaceutical development and imaging program. The microPET/CT is one of the key components that is critically needed to achieve the long term goals of the CMFI by providing an important molecular imaging tool for the UCSF research community. Seventeen research projects, largely supported by NIH funds, have been identified that will directly benefit from access to the microPET/CT. This systern will significantly enhance the molecular imaging research program by facilitating current research as well as enabling future NIH projects at UCSF and collaborating institutions within the greater San Francisco Bay Area.