PURCHASE OF AN IMAGE-GUIDED SMALL-ANIMAL IRRADIATOR

 简介(申请人提供)：位于圣路易斯的华盛顿大学在辐射研究方面拥有丰富的传统，在临床治疗、放射肿瘤学以及物理和生物研究领域处于世界领先地位。在过去的二十年里，人们非常重视对小动物的生物过程进行非侵入性成像的仪器的开发，从而使研究人员更好地了解生物学和临床前模型中治疗干预的潜力。在这方面，华盛顿大学是公认的领导者，在临床前磁共振、核成像和光学成像方面拥有出色的项目和仪器。临床前光子辐射器可以将辐射传输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，我们请求资金购买Xstrahl小动物辐射研究平台(SARRP)。SARRP的组件包括：225KV X射线管、X射线控制器、SARRP接口和PC、机器人试件平台、安全联锁系统、锥束CT成像系统和集成屏蔽。NIH资助的10个主要用户和3个次要用户一起构成了SARRP的初始用户基础。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，主要专注于治疗癌症的药物开发。他组建了一支强大的团队来监督仪器的运营和质量保证。此外，华盛顿大学做出了重大的机构承诺，以确保该设备在安装后成功使用。该辐照仪将允许研究人员在体内的临床前模型中研究与辐射研究有关的基本问题，这最终将导致我们在临床环境中治疗疾病的方式的新范式。

 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.