Cyclotron for biomedical research

描述（由申请人提供）：我们需要第三代回旋加速器，以满足当前的研究需求和扩大加速器产生的放射性核素的应用。该仪器将提高我们为更广泛的科学界生产放射性示踪剂的能力。宾夕法尼亚大学的许多研究人员得到了美国国立卫生研究院的大力支持，他们已经认识到分子成像作为一种测量体内生化和生理现象的非侵入性分析工具所带来的机会。需求显著增加，并将继续增长；我们的回旋加速器于1985年在美国国立卫生研究院的支持下获得，目前已达到产能。宾夕法尼亚大学的分子成像项目有了长足的发展；许多放射性示踪剂正在合成用于临床前和临床研究。我们有一个活跃的成像探针合成核心，用于人类和动物研究，这在很大程度上依赖于及时和充分生产足够数量的放射性核素。我们还成功地将一些有前途的放射性示踪剂通过临床前模型转化为临床研究。然而，我们目前生产足够数量的放射性示踪剂的能力已经限制了转化研究的速度。进步需要一个现代化的设施，以使生产新的正电子发射器，其数量在目前的回旋加速器上是不可行的。拟议的仪器将确保足够的放射性核素和放射性示踪剂生产，以支持我们分子成像计划的增长，从而大大加强正在进行的研究；提高追求原理证明研究的能力；在众多学科的分子成像中产生重大影响，并允许现有回旋加速器用于新型同位素开发。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We request a third generation cyclotron to meet current research demands and expand application of accelerator-produced radionuclides. The instrument will increase our ability to produce radiotracers for the broader scientific community. Many researchers throughout the University of Pennsylvania, who receive considerable support from the NIH, have recognized the opportunities molecular imaging presents as a non-invasive analytical tool for measuring biochemical and physiological phenomena in vivo. Demand has significantly increased and continues to grow; our cyclotron, procured with NIH support in 1985, has reached capacity. The molecular imaging program at Penn has grown substantially; numerous radiotracers are being synthesized for pre-clinical and clinical research. We have an active Imaging Probe Synthesis Core for human and animal research, which relies heavily on timely and sufficient production of adequate quantities of radionuclides. We also have successfully translated a number of promising radiotracers through pre-clinical models into clinical research studies. However, our current ability to produce amounts of radiotracers in adequate amounts has been rate-limiting to translational research. Progress necessitates a modern facility that will enable production of novel positron emitters in quantities not feasible with the current cyclotron. The proposed instrument will ensure sufficient radionuclide and radiotracer production to support the growth in our molecular imaging program and thus substantially enhance ongoing research; increase the ability to pursue proof-of-principle research; effect a substantial impact in molecular imaging within a multitude of disciplines, and allow the existing cyclotron to be exploited for novel isotope development. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Our translational research program in molecular imaging has provided key insights into biologic processes in both animal studies and in clinical research. For continued growth, we need a new cyclotron, which will allow us to increase production, resulting in new radiotracers that increase scientific understanding and ultimately provide clinicians with unique diagnostic tools.