# Small Animal Imaging Lab

> **NIH NIH P30** · H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST · 2023 · $1

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
SMALL ANIMAL IMAGING LAB
The overarching goal of the Small Animal Imaging Lab (SAIL) is to provide state-of-the art imaging resources to
Moffitt Members for their basic and translational preclinical studies using rodent cancer models. SAIL offers a
wide array of multimodality imaging capabilities (e.g., MRI, CT, SPECT, bioluminescence etc.) and provides pre-
clinical radiopharmaceutical capabilities. Collectively, these technologies facilitate study of tumor development,
progression, metastasis and the response to therapy in animal models using quantitative imaging. SAIL provides
detection at high spatial resolution of functional, metabolic, and anatomical changes including hypoxia, pH,
temporal sensitivity to cellular density, blood flow, and metabolism. A data transfer pipeline has been established
where imaging data is transferred to QIC for image feature extraction and advanced image analysis to generate
an integrated assessment of tumor biology in situ. SAIL activities are organized into three Specific Aims:
Aim 1: To assist Members in experimental design, image data acquisition and analysis, and manuscript and
grant preparation.
Aim 2: To provide and expand cutting-edge in vivo and ex vivo imaging and analytical technologies for research
involving small animal cancer models.
Aim 3: To provide in-depth training and educational opportunities regarding small animal imaging technologies
and approaches for Members.
SAIL enables Members to perform sophisticated imaging experiments that support high impact science using
preclinical animal models, which are critical for understanding the biology of cancer and the complex responses
of distinct tumor types, the immune system and the physiology of the host to therapy. Small animal imaging
informs future research design, can be used for the analysis of co-clinical trials, and also informs the design and
implementation of clinical trials. Finally, as most of the modalities that are provided by SAIL are available in the
clinic, results with animal tumor models can be readily translated into clinical trials and clinical practice.
Since 2016, SAIL usage has increased by 15% and has supported 28 Member publications including 3 appearing
in a high impact journal (IF >10). In FY20, SAIL supported 30 Members in four of the five Programs (CBE 33%,
CE 3%, MM 27%, IO 37%) with 85% of those Members holding peer reviewed funding. This represented 93%
of all SAIL usage. Over the next five years, SAIL will expand support for Members engaging in studies requiring
in vivo metabolic and nuclear imaging through expansion of its services, equipment, and expert staff. This will
position SAIL well to support the development of a metabolism focused CCSG Program and the many faculty
who have research programs in this arena.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10558787
- **Project number:** 5P30CA076292-25
- **Recipient organization:** H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST
- **Principal Investigator:** David L Morse
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1998-02-18 → 2027-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10558787

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10558787, Small Animal Imaging Lab (5P30CA076292-25). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10558787. Licensed CC0.

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