Frederick National Laboratory Small Animal Imaging Program
Providing a state-of-the-art in vivo imaging facility to the NCI community.
Overview:
The function of the SAIP is to collaborate with NCI investigators in the development
of: mouse models, new molecular imaging probes for early detection and therapy,
monitor tumors in vivo, and perform drug efficacy studies utilizing in vivo imaging
techniques. In addition, the SAIP collaborates with the NCI Center for Strategic
Scientific Initiatives (CSSI) Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) to
analyze nanoplatforms as part of the cascade assay and assist the NCI/Division of
Cancer Treatment and Diagnoses (DCTD) initiatives in developing standards in small
animal imaging, integrate imaging into drug development, and develops partnerships
with industry for technology and drug development.
An overview and comparison of the SAIP "In Vivo" imaging modalities are listed below
(Table 1).
|
Modality
|
Image Resolution (μm)
|
Image Depth (mm)
|
3D capability (Tomography)
|
Probe Sensitivity (mol/L)
|
Dynamic Studies
|
Scanner
|
|
X-Ray CT
|
5
|
*
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
No
|
See nuclear scanners
|
|
MRI
|
50
|
*
|
Yes
|
10-3 to 10-5
|
Yes
|
Philips 3T
|
|
Nuclear: PET
|
1400
|
*
|
Yes
|
10-11 to 10-12
|
Yes
|
Siemens Inveon PET/CT
|
|
Nuclear: SPECT
|
500 - 2000
|
*
|
Yes
|
10-10 to 10-11
|
Difficult
|
Bioscan NanoSPECT/CT
|
|
Ultrasound
|
30
|
Dependent on Transducer
|
Limited
(Small volume)
|
High
(not well characterized)
|
Yes
|
VisualSonics 2100 (Phased Array)
|
|
Photo-acoustic
|
44 - 75
|
< 20
|
Limited
(Small volume)
|
10-7
|
Yes
|
VisualSonics LAZR
|
|
Optical: Bioluminescence
|
>1000
|
|
Limited
(Semi-quantitative)
|
10-15 to 10-17
|
Limited
|
Caliper Xenogen Spectrum
|
|
Optical: Fluorescence
|
>1000
|
Dependent on Fluorophore wavelength
|
No
|
10-9 to 10-12
|
No
|
CRi Maestro
|
|
Optical: Fluorescence Molecular Tomography
|
<1000
|
Dependent on Fluorophore wavelength
|
Semi-quantitative
|
10-9 to 10-12
|
No
|
Perkin-Elmer VISEN 2500
|
*: Image spatial resolution is independent of depth.
In addition to the above 'in vivo imaging modalities, the SAIP also utilizes a high
spatial resolution image autoradiography system (Fuji; FLA 5100) and performs radionuclide
biodistribution and dosimetry studies (Perkin-Elmer 1480 Wizard gamma well counter).
Quantitative Analysis
The SAIP can provide the investigator with quantitative analysis of many physiological
and functional parameters; biodistribution, anatomical & physiological tumor volumes,
tumor vasculature & perfusion, tracer kinetics (PK), blood flow, tissue Doppler,
internal radiation dosimetry, and cardiac function.
Accessing the SAIP
The procedure to access SAIP functions is a four (4) step process: 1) submit the
SAIP image request form via a web interface,
2) the NCI-steering committee reviews the image request, 3) review and approval
by the ACUC, and 4) submission to the CSAS system for formal cost submission and
approval. Prior to initiating an image request the PI must have an approved Frederick-Animal
Study Protocol (ASP).
The SAIP web based image request form includes sections for you to describe your
proposed research, provide information on your animal models, animal health status,
and the potential health risks to SAIP personnel. This form is then forwarded to
the SAIP NCI-Steering committee to assist you (the NCI investigator) in determining
the optimum imaging modality, molecular probe, acquisition parameters, and analysis.
If you are interested, we can set-up a meeting with the steering committee to discuss
the various imaging options. After review by the NCI-steering committee, the form
is forwarded to the ACUC. The approved imaging submission form becomes an amendment
to your ASP. This process usually takes 2 weeks. The ACUC approved SAIP form
then becomes an approved modification to your ASP.
After ACUC approval, the SAIP forwards the approved submission form to the PI who
then uploads the document (pdf) to the
CSAS system. LASP and SAIP then review the request and a formal cost is
submitted, which you and your AO can approve/disapprove. The SAIP imaging submission
form is uploaded to CSAS since this from dictates all aspects of your imaging project
and is approved by the investigator, ACUC, and the SAIP NCI-steering committee.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process or about your imaging
study, please don't hesitate to contact SAIP. We can also set-up a meeting with
the NCI-steering committee to discuss your proposed study.
The SAIP web site "Services and Pricing" describes the
services and associated pricing. Service will be charged using two (2) distinct
services; imaging and analysis. The molecular markers (D-Luciferin and Magnevist)
are included in the cost of the imaging service. All other probes will be an additional
charge to the investigator. Additional molecular contrast agents and probes will
be added when they become available. We will be pleased to train you to perform
your image analysis.
SAIP Administration & Research Staff
- Joseph D. Kalen, PhD, MSHA; Director, Nuclear
- Lilia Ileva, MS; MRI
- Nimit Patel, MS; Optical
- Lisa Riffle, BS; Ultrasound
- Richelle Putman; Assistant to the Director
Technical Support: NCI Molecular Imaging Program
NCI Scientific Steering Committee
- Peter L. Choyke, M.D. (CCR)
- Piotr Grodzinski, Ph.D. (CSSI)
- Kristin Komschlies, Ph.D. (OD-Frederick)
- James L. Tatum, M.D. (DCTD)