CORE B: Animal Imaging Core. The Animal Imaging Core will perform all MRI/S and bioluminescence studies on mouse tumor models for Projects 1 and 2. Core personnel will provide these services: (a) define and implement data acquisition/imaging sequences;(b) assist with animal preparation for imaging;(c) perform all data collection on the 9.4 Tesla MRI, 7 Tesla MRI and Xenogen bioluminescence systems;(d) preliminary data processing/image reconstruction;(e) security archival of raw data and network transfer of reconstructed data to the Digital Image Processing Core (Core C);(f) scheduling of imaging experiments; and (g) provide support to Program Investigators in technical design of imaging experiments. These services designed, in part, after a """"""""clinical MRI service"""""""" model since continual, high-volume animal scanning is essential for success of each project. More then 8000 sessions of MRI/S and 7000 bioluminescence scans will be performed over five years. Specific animal MRI/S protocols will vary with each project, but will primarily include serial studies using: standard T2-weighted;T1-weighted dynamic contrast enhanced; multislice quantitative water diffusion mapping;arterial spin labeling perfusion mapping;single-voxel proton spectroscopy. Dr. B.A. Moffat will serve as Core B Director. Dr. Moffat has extensive experience in small animal imaging research. A Co-Investigator and a Post-Doc will assist Dr. Moffat with day-to-day operations and technique development. A full time MR research technician will perform the remainder of Core B services.
Pub. Health: Overall, this research effort will provide the rationale for initiation of clinical trials with combinations of molecularly targeted therapies for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. In addition, imaging biomarkers for early assessment of treatment response will be identified and validated which will lead to individualization of patient treatment.
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