systems to image animals and humans for research

Animal and Human Imaging Shared Resource

Overview

The Animal and Human Imaging Shared Resource provides Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center investigators with access to advanced imaging technologies and expertise for studies involving both animal models and human participants. The resource supports MRI, PET, CT, SPECT, ultrasound, and optical imaging, along with specialized capabilities in radiopharmaceutical development and synthesis for preclinical and clinical research. The Animal and Human Imaging Shared Resource partners with investigators to design imaging studies, implement emerging imaging methods, and generate quantitative data that assess biological processes and treatment responses in cancer. By bringing together advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, and clinical trial imaging support within a single program, the Animal and Human Imaging Shared Resource provides a comprehensive resource for cancer imaging research. 

Directors

Services

Animal Imaging

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • X-ray
  • X-ray Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) 
  • Bioluminescence/Fluorescence Optical Imaging
  • Development of imaging technologies

Human Imaging

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (MRI/MRS)
  • MRI and MRS protocol development
  • Functional MRI (fMRI) stimulus presentation and response recording equipment
  • Subject preparation
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT)
  • X-ray Velocimetry (XRV)
  • Ultrasound
  • Image analysis support (please contact the Human Imaging Center to discuss availability and specific needs)

Radiochemistry

  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility for manufacturing investigational radiopharmaceuticals (PET & SPECT) as well as other Phase 1 agents.
  • Local production of 11C, 13N, 18F, 68Ga nuclides with regular access to 64Cu, 89Zr, 111In, 123I, 124I, 125I, 161Tb, 177Lu, as well as other radionuclides.
  • Radiochemistry Development for new molecular imaging agents
  • Regulatory Support and Development for translation of molecular imaging agents.

 

Contact Information

For more information about small animal imaging services, please email Jarrod True.

For more information about human imaging services:

For more information about radiochemistry services, please email Todd Peterson.