ACRF Facility for Molecular Imaging Agents in Cancer

The ACRF Facility for Molecular Imaging Agents in Cancer has been established at the Centre of Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland with the help of a $2.5 million grant from ACRF. The facility was officially opened in March 2017. The ACRF grant enabled the purchase of a PET-CT scanner to image large animals and humans. The facility and equipment will harness the power of molecular imaging to detect, characterise and monitor cancer in order to help streamline the discovery of new cancer drugs through the power of PET microdosing – examining the effects of tiny doses of drugs at a cellular level and comparative oncology. The Comparative Oncology program at the Centre for Advanced Imaging is the first research program of its kind in Australia. Naturally occurring cancers in companion animals such as dogs share clinical and biological similarities to human cancers that are difficult to replicate in other model systems. The purpose of comparative oncology is to make use of these cancers as models to bridge the gap between conventional preclinical models and human trials, facilitating clinical translation of new cancer drugs, devices, and imaging procedures. The ACRF Facility for Molecular Imaging Agents in Cancer brings together cancer researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre and veterinary oncologists from UQ’s School of Veterinary Science and the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. Chief Investigators include: Professor David C. Reutens, Professor Matthew A. Cooper, Professor Maree T. Smith, Professor Andrew Boyd, Professor Linda Richards, Professor Perry F. Bartlett, Professor Pam Russell, Professor David G Walker, A/Professor Rajiv Bhalla, A/Professor Markus Barth and others.