Development of a pre-clinical dosimetry service with multipurpose small animal phantom for radiotherapy studies

The implementation of standardized and traceable dosimetry procedures for preclinical radiation studies

supported by an innovative multipurpose small animal phantom funded by Innovate UK to the tune of

£450,000 aims to significantly improve the quality and impact of radiobiological studies whilst reducing the

number of animals sacrificed. The collaboration includes the National Physical Laboratory, the UoH and Xstrahl

who will combine and utilise their extensive knowledge, expertise and facilities. The funding will enable the

partners to develop standards, equipment and techniques that will allow accurate monitoring of radiation

dosages to animals during preclinical trials, something which is not available at present, with the potential of

reducing the number of animals up to 50% for selected studies. The project will also enable scientists to

develop a better understanding of animal and human responses to radiation. The new phantom will provide

products and services to pharmaceutical companies interested in the development of drugs to aid radiation

treatments, and scientists across the globe to undertake novel and more accurate radiobiology research.