# Center for InVivo Imaging and Therapy Shared Resources Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · 2021 · $253,520

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT— Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics
The Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT) is an SJCCC-managed Shared Resource with the
overarching goal of providing cutting-edge imaging and image-guided therapy technologies to advance
preclinical cancer modeling research. As part of the SJCCC Strategic Plan, the HMP, DBSTP, NBTP, and CBP
prioritized enhanced animal modeling as a central requirement for their preclinical research endeavors, with
CIVIT at the center of these plans. CIVIT plays a major role in advancing SJCCC preclinical research by offering
leading surgical and imaging expertise, allowing Program members to readily model and survey genetic and
orthotopic-implant models of brain tumors, solid tumors, and leukemias. CIVIT partners with SJCCC members
to provide consultative and technical expertise in modeling and conducting experiments for their preclinical
research. The core also offers seminars to educate users about new preclinical imaging applications and
technologies. CIVIT is directed by Dr. Walter Akers, an NCI R50-funded veterinarian and biomedical engineer
with more than 11 years of experience in cancer imaging and therapy research. He is supported by 1 staff
scientist and 6 highly skilled research technologists to provide imaging, surgery, and therapeutic services, and
partner with SJCCC groups in planning and performing experiments to ensure animal studies are conducted at
the highest standard. The impact of the CIVIT on the cancer research of the Programs is evidenced by the high
level of collaborative publications and key scientific contributions in high-impact journals such as Blood (n=5),
Nature Genetics (n=3), and Cancer Cell (n=6). During the current funding period, 66 publications from January
2013–December 2017 used the CIVIT, representing 28 (42%) interprogrammatic and 33 (50%)
intraprogrammatic collaborations. These included publications from 4 of the 5 Programs: DBSTP (n=16), HMP
(n=25), CBP (n=34), and NBTP (n=25). During the index year (FY2017), 94% of all investigators using the CIVIT
were SJCCC members (49/52). Goals for the next period include upgrading high-frequency ultrasounds (Vevo
3100, Visualsonics) to provide state-of-the-art capabilities for image-guided injections and tumor volume
measurement; obtaining a fluorescence-capable surgical microscope to optimize brainstem O-PDX implantation
and image-guided resections of O-PDX tumors in mice; and upgrading the IGRT system with BLI capability
(Muriglo, Xstrahl) to enable tumor-selective radiation for preclinical trials. These advanced technologies will
ensure continued high-level support of the preclinical research of the SJCCC Programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10116303
- **Project number:** 5P30CA021765-42
- **Recipient organization:** ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Walter John Akers
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $253,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-04-01 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10116303

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10116303, Center for InVivo Imaging and Therapy Shared Resources Core (5P30CA021765-42). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10116303. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*