PURCHASE OF AN IMAGE-GUIDED SMALL-ANIMAL IRRADIATOR

 描述（由申请人提供）：位于圣路易斯的华盛顿大学具有丰富的放射研究传统，是临床放射肿瘤学领域的世界领先者，也是物理学和生物学研究的领先者。在过去的二十年中，重点放在了小动物生物过程的非侵入性成像仪器的开发上，从而为研究人员提供了对生物学和临床前模型中治疗干预潜力的更好理解。在这方面，华盛顿大学是公认的领导者，拥有临床前磁共振，核和光学成像的杰出计划和仪器。临床前光子辐照器可以将辐射传递到小动物的精确解剖位置，是这些研究工作的重要组成部分。因此，我们申请资金购买Xstrahl小动物辐射研究平台（SARRP）。SARRP的组件包括：225 kV X射线管、X射线控制器、SARRP接口和PC、机器人标本台、安全联锁系统、锥形束CT成像系统和集成屏蔽。由NIH资助的10个主要用户形成了SARRP的初始用户群，沿着3个次要用户。PI在临床放射肿瘤学以及放射和癌症生物学研究方面拥有超过25年的专业知识，主要关注癌症治疗药物的开发。他组建了一个强大的团队来监督仪器的操作和QA。此外，华盛顿大学还做出了重大的机构承诺，以确保该设备安装后的成功使用。辐照器将允许研究人员在体内研究有关辐射研究的基本问题，临床前模型，最终将导致我们在临床环境中治疗疾病的新模式。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Washington University in St. Louis has a rich tradition of radiation research and is a world leader in the field of radiation oncology for clinical care, a well as physics and biological research. Over the past twenty years, much emphasis has been placed on the development of instrumentation for the non-invasive imaging of biological processes in small animals, thereby providing investigators with a better understanding of the biology and the potential of therapeutic interventions in preclinical models. In this regard, Washington University is a recognized leader, with outstanding programs and instrumentation for preclinical magnetic resonance, nuclear, and optical imaging. Preclinical photon irradiators that can deliver radiation to precise anatomical locations in small animals are an important component of these research efforts. We therefore request funds to purchase the Xstrahl small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Components of the SARRP include: a 225kV x- ray tube, x-ray controller, SARRP interface and PC, robotic specimen stage, safety interlock system, cone beam CT imaging system, and integrated shielding. Ten major users with NIH funding form the initial user base for the SARRP, along with three minor users. The PI has more than 25 years of expertise in clinical radiation oncology and in radiation and cancer biology research, with a primary focus is in drug development for treatment of cancer. He has assembled a strong team to oversee operations and QA of the instrument. In addition, Washington University has made a significant institutional commitment to ensure the successful use of the device after its installation. The irradiator will allow investigators to study basic questions regarding radiation research in an in vivo, pre-clinical model that will eventually lead to new paradigms in the way we treat disease in the clinical setting.