SARRP with Cone Beam CT and bioluminescence imaging guidance

Project title: SARRP with Cone Beam CT and bioluminescence imaging guidance Project Summary/Abstract The proposed acquisition of the Xstrahl Life Sciences 200 Small Animal Radiation Instrument, a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP), will provide new capabilities for 3D bioluminescent optical imaging at the University of Kentucky to meet the needs of 16 NIH-funded investigators whose research programs have a critical need for instrumentation that is capable of delivering highly conformal radiation from multiple angles to preclinical small animal models with image guidance for a dose distribution mimicking clinical radiotherapy. The SARRP system from Xstrahl is able to provide precise irradiation to a small animal from multiple non- coplanar angles. In addition, features such as integrated computed tomography (CT) as well as bioluminescent tomography (BLT) provide precise geometric and biological information about the tumor, allowing basic scientists to better model delivery of radiation therapy that is used clinically, as well as to monitor the effects of radiation therapy non-invasively. The instrument offers high precision in preclinical radiation therapy treatment, which enables a higher dose to the tumor with lower dose to organs at risk with demonstrated high local control, less toxicity and the potential to translate advanced new high-precision findings to increased overall survival in clinical practice. This instrument platform to be housed in a shared use facility in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology addresses a strong need for cancer biology researchers to mimic clinical radiotherapy treatment and will support 23 active grants (21 funded by the NIH), all of which involve the use of radiation. Importantly, the new instrument capabilities offered by the SARRP will replace two aging radio-isotopic (Cesium) based irradiators that are at the end of their useful life stage and that pose a security risk. These systems lack an effective means for targeted radiation delivery. Thus, the new instrument will provide superior precision beam targeting for significantly enhanced research results. The university also has a kV x-ray boxed system for radiation research. However, this system is completely inadequate for modern research discovery, as it lacks the capability to deliver an angled beam and has therefore been used primarily for cell irradiation. The addition of this Xstrahl instrument will greatly enhance cancer biology research within the University of Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, which encompasses large numbers of members with expertise in cancer biology and radiation research. Thirteen major users with 19 R01 or equivalent grants and three minor users will form the initial user base for the SARRP. Detailed outreach plans will also be established to attract more researchers to use this instrument. University of Kentucky has made a significant institutional commitment to ensure the successful use of the device after its installation, thereby ensuring operational continuity of high-end cancer research and the latest technology in small animal irradiation.