Preclinical Imaging
The Preclinical Imaging Center is maintained with the materials necessary to operate each instrument. A biological cabinet, independent anesthesia equipment for each instrument and the necessary materials for their optimal performance such as oxygen, isoflurane and cleaning supplies are regularly checked and re-stocked preventing any delays due to the usage of consumables. The Preclinical Imaging staff is trained to use each instrument effectively and provides training for new users.
This preclinical imaging center is designed to enable true multispecies imaging, live animal imaging, and the use of state-of-the-art imaging and analysis software to offer unique insights into barriers to drug delivery, tumor biophysics, and the detection of (micro)metastases. The goal is to provide faster, higher-resolution imaging for animals and, ultimately, humans. Stefan H. Bossmann, PhD
Equipment
[00:00:00] I am Dr. Stefan Bossmann. I am professor and chair in the Department of Cancer Biology and I am the scientific director of the Medicinal Chemistry Core and the Preclinical Imaging Core.
“How does your shared resource support researchers?”
The Medicinal Chemistry Core is synthesizing molecules, which are complex and cannot be synthesized or only synthesized with a lot of effort in a conventional biology lab. So, we enable our cancer researchers to perform preclinical imaging and preclinical experiments with drugs that otherwise wouldn't be available.
“Can you give an example of when your shared resource contributed to a study with major scientific impact? How did you contribute?”
The example is current RO1 we have and, [00:01:00] Dr. David Akhavan and I, we share the leadership in this. And this one is doping CAR T cells to survive in a cancerous environment far longer than they usually would. So without this drug that we deliver to the cells prior, to the cells getting into the tumor prevents that fatigue sets in and this means that we have a chance to treat solid tumors effectively with CAR T cells.
“Why should researchers consider partnering with your shared resource on their next project?”
Well, think of research like a rocket. And we are your booster. We are professionals in what we do. That's true for synthesis as far as for imaging. And so we can help you to get [00:02:00] the extra points you need to land on the first percentile.
Getting Started
For all live animal imaging, the necessary Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee/Animal Care and Use Protocol approval must be obtained prior to initiation of any experiments. Users are asked to supply a copy of their IACUC/ACUP to Core staff prior to scheduling the first imaging session with live animals.
Request our Services
To learn more and utilize the Preclinical Imaging Center, contact one of its team members.Cite the cancer center support grant
Learn more
Interested in becoming a cancer center member?
To apply, click here. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Contact Lisa Harlan-Williams at lharlan-williams@kumc.edu for more information regarding membership.