A multi-user ultrasound imaging platform for clinical translation of interdisciplinary biomedical research
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Abstract
This is a bid for a new, cutting-edge ultrasound imaging system help accelerate research across three institutions in the South of England – the University of Southampton, the University of Portsmouth, and University Hospital Southampton.
At our research institutions, we are trying to develop new treatments, technologies and therapies to benefit patients. Some examples of these include immunotherapies. For example, new antibody drugs, such as Arzerra and Gazyva, were developed as a direct result of research at the University of Southampton. These drugs have had big impacts in helping cancer patients survive for longer. We are continuing to develop new drugs, not just in cancer medicine, but also in bone, heart, liver, brain and eye disease, in all three institutions contributing to this bid.
Our research, however, critically relies upon the testing of therapies in small animals, like mice and rats. To find out if a new technology is working, we use techniques like X-rays, molecular biology and fluorescence, but we think the current methods available to us are not optimal and may lead us to use more animals than we need to.
We think we can solve this problem by acquiring a new ultrasound imaging device for animals. Similar to the ultrasound devices used in hospitals on patients, these devices allow the research to ‘see’ deeply into the body. Unlike X-rays, which are ionising and require protective equipment for staff, and MRI which requires large machines and creates strong magnetic fields, ultrasound is harmless and requires relatively simply instrumentation. Because we can use ultrasound easily in living animals without hurting them, it will allow us to measure the effectiveness of drugs – for example how quickly a tumour shrinks – without having to collect the tissues from the animals.
The areas of research that the instrument will be used for include (but are not limited to):
Measurement of tumour size in animals;
Measurement of blood flow, for example in cancer, musculoskeletal science, regenerative medicine and healing;
Guided injection, for example in cancer targeting and cardiovascular medicine;
Confirmation of pregnancy;
Measurements of tissue stiffness, for example to test for liver hardening;
Determining success of drug delivery;
Measuring a range of physiological functions, including cardiac function.
At the University of Southampton, we already have a large imaging facility which has established methods for training researchers and allowing them access to research imaging machines. This centre involves technical and veterinary specialists who can also provide expert advice for researchers. We intend that this ultrasound machine will slot seamlessly into this facility, allowing our community of more than 100 researchers easy access to do better, more efficient research. We also want to make this open to the wider community beyond the University to maximise the benefit for all and to make most efficient use of the machine.
Our bid aligns key research strengths and strategic priorities across the University of Southampton, with direct alignment to MRC funding and to national strategies to better translate biomedical discoveries to patients.
At our research institutions, we are trying to develop new treatments, technologies and therapies to benefit patients. Some examples of these include immunotherapies. For example, new antibody drugs, such as Arzerra and Gazyva, were developed as a direct result of research at the University of Southampton. These drugs have had big impacts in helping cancer patients survive for longer. We are continuing to develop new drugs, not just in cancer medicine, but also in bone, heart, liver, brain and eye disease, in all three institutions contributing to this bid.
Our research, however, critically relies upon the testing of therapies in small animals, like mice and rats. To find out if a new technology is working, we use techniques like X-rays, molecular biology and fluorescence, but we think the current methods available to us are not optimal and may lead us to use more animals than we need to.
We think we can solve this problem by acquiring a new ultrasound imaging device for animals. Similar to the ultrasound devices used in hospitals on patients, these devices allow the research to ‘see’ deeply into the body. Unlike X-rays, which are ionising and require protective equipment for staff, and MRI which requires large machines and creates strong magnetic fields, ultrasound is harmless and requires relatively simply instrumentation. Because we can use ultrasound easily in living animals without hurting them, it will allow us to measure the effectiveness of drugs – for example how quickly a tumour shrinks – without having to collect the tissues from the animals.
The areas of research that the instrument will be used for include (but are not limited to):
Measurement of tumour size in animals;
Measurement of blood flow, for example in cancer, musculoskeletal science, regenerative medicine and healing;
Guided injection, for example in cancer targeting and cardiovascular medicine;
Confirmation of pregnancy;
Measurements of tissue stiffness, for example to test for liver hardening;
Determining success of drug delivery;
Measuring a range of physiological functions, including cardiac function.
At the University of Southampton, we already have a large imaging facility which has established methods for training researchers and allowing them access to research imaging machines. This centre involves technical and veterinary specialists who can also provide expert advice for researchers. We intend that this ultrasound machine will slot seamlessly into this facility, allowing our community of more than 100 researchers easy access to do better, more efficient research. We also want to make this open to the wider community beyond the University to maximise the benefit for all and to make most efficient use of the machine.
Our bid aligns key research strengths and strategic priorities across the University of Southampton, with direct alignment to MRC funding and to national strategies to better translate biomedical discoveries to patients.