Pre-Clinical Multi-Modality Imaging: Nuts & Bolts
Member-Initiated Symposium

ORGANIZERS: Kristine Glunde, Natalie Serkova

Thursday, 21 June 2018

Session Number: MIS-24

Overview
In the past decade, non-invasive imaging of animal models of human diseases has become a desirable and in some cases even essential part of advanced research protocols to study pathophysiology in transgenic, tumor-bearing, and other animal models. Technological advances in scanner design, image acquisition, contrast agents and image reconstruction allow for real-time evaluation of disease progression, morphological and functional changes, metabolism and different tissue microenvironments using high-resolution anatomical and physiological animal imaging. The advantages of non-invasive live-animal imaging include opportunities for fast clinical translation, advantages of performing whole-body imaging studies, and possibilities of longitudinal observation of the same animal over time. However, the complex physical background of multi-modality imaging techniques can be intimidating for scientists who see the advantages of performing such studies. The main objectives of this symposium are: (i) to teach basic physics principles of the main pre-clinical imaging modalities (MRI/ MRS, microCT, ultrasound, microPET/SPECT/CT, optical); (ii) to provide a clear work-flow of an imaging-based study design in pre-clinical research; (iii) to discuss cutting-edge applications in pre-clinical multimodal imaging and quantitative image analysis.

Target Audience
Students, fellows and researchers that need a “gentle introduction” to multi-modal animal imaging concepts and applications.

Educational Objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:
- Identify basics of imaging techniques, including physical principles of magnetic resonance, X-ray, positron emission, optical and sound waves;
- Name all elements of a typical imaging biomarker discovery workflow including protocol development and quality controls, animal handling, data acquisition, and data analysis;
- Describe basic workflows for image analysis and establishing multi-parametric multi-modality quantitative imaging biomarkers; and 
- Discuss cutting-edge animal imaging applications in biomedicine including cancer, neuroscience, cardiovascular.