PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The objective of this proposal is to purchase a state-of-the-art high resolution microSPECT/CT small animal
imaging scanner for the University of Wisconsin Small Animal Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility (SAIRF), which
will function as a long-term shared resource for NIH-funded investigators at the UW School of Medicine and
Public Health (UW SMPH). Specific aims include: Aim 1: To improve the productivity of small animal imaging
research at the UW SMPH by making a state-of-the-art microSPECT/CT scanner accessible to federally-funded
investigators, Aim 2: To enhance the ability of these investigators to perform ultra-high resolution SPECT and
CT scanning to determine cancer treatment efficacy, biological basis of disease and using-imaging based
dosimetry to provide more accurate radiotherapy dosing, and Aim 3: To foster the development of new small
animal imaging resources that efficiently use the personnel and shared facility resources at the UW SMPH and
UWCCC. The SAIRF provides support to faculty and trainees working on small animal imaging research projects.
The laboratory offers high-quality multimodality image acquisition and analyses and consultative services on a
fee-for-service basis available to the campus community and beyond. The only two unmet needs currently
existing within the SAIRF are the lack of SPECT imaging in general and ultra-high resolution whole animal
computed tomography (CT) scanning. Acquisition of the MILabs high resolution hybrid SPECT/CT small animal
scanner overcomes both of these current limitations. This application proposes to purchase a MILabs U-
SPECT6CTUHR with the highest available SPECT resolution mated with 4–micron, low radiation dose CT scanner.
This will facilitate and enhance the scientific quality and productivity of numerous NIH-funded research projects.
The research programs that will use the new shared instrument seek to better understand cancer biology, the
effects of external beam radiation and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) on tumor microenvironment, to
combine radiation, including TRT, with immunotherapies with the intent of affording durable curative cancer
responses accompanied with immune memory induction. The Major Users group consists of R01, P50, UO1,
U54, and DOD-funded investigators, while the Minor Users group also includes RO1 and DOD-funded
investigators who request this instrument to achieve their specific aims. Exceptional departmental and
institutional support (providing 40% of the purchase price) and outstanding technical expertise assure that the
requested equipment will be operable immediately and highly productive at UW for many years to come.