TH‐C‐17A‐12: Integrated CBCT and Optical Tomography System On‐Board a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP)

We present a newly developed on‐board optical tomography system for SARRP. Innovative features include the compact design and fast acquisition optical method to perform 3D soft tissue radiation guidance. Because of the on‐board feature and the combination of the CBCT, diffusive optical tomography (DOT), bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography (BLT and FT), this integrated system is expected to provide more accurate soft tissue guidance than an off‐line system as well as highly sensitive functional imaging in preclinical research. Images are acquired in the order of CBCT, DOT and then BLT/FT, where the SARRP CBCT and DOT are used to provide the anatomical and optical properties information to enhance the subsequent BLT/FT optical reconstruction. The SARRP stage is redesigned to include 9 imbedded optical fibers in contact with the animal's skin. These fibers, connected to a white light lamp or laser, serve as the light sources for the DOT or FT, respectively. A CCD camera with f/1.4 lens and multi‐spectral filter set is used as the optical detector and is mounted on a portable cart ready to dock into the SARRP. No radiation is delivered during optical image acquisition. A 3‐way mirror system capable of 180 degree rotation around the animal reflects the optical signal to the camera at multiple projection angles. A special black‐painted dome covers the stage and provides the light shielding. Spontaneous metastatic bioluminescent liver and lung tumor models will be used to validate the 3D BLT reconstruction. To demonstrate the capability of our FT system, GastroSense750 fluorescence agent will be used to imaging the mouse stomach and intestinal region in 3D. We expect that this integrated CBCT and optical tomography on‐board a SARRP will present new research opportunities for pre‐clinical radiation research. Supported by NCI RO1‐CA 158100