The SARRP enhances the understanding of how radiation interacts with tissue, the mechanisms of DNA repair.
Small Animal Radiation Research Platform
As radiation research and cancer biology reach new horizons, the need for improved pre-clinical methodology has become paramount. Targeted radiation is a proven method of treating cancer clinically, and is key component in treatment regimens in over 60% of cancers worldwide. In order to keep pace with clinical practice, cancer researchers must mimic clinical practice as close as possible. The SARRP enables clinical researchers to perform clinically relevant radiation experiments which yield relevant and translational data.
The SARRP delivers targeted radiation to pre-clinical animal models with an accuracy equivalent to clinical radiotherapy. Using an on-board high resolution cone beam-CT imaging and 3-D bioluminescent tomographic imaging, the SARRP can target micro beams (down to 0.5mm) of radiation to an accuracy of 200um. The SARRP allows the user to image the animal, contour the tumour/target and organs at risk, evaluate the dose, and deliver the desired treatment.
Advantages of the SARRP System
The SARRP enables researchers to increase experimental reproducibility through integrated molecular imaging and radiation delivery which seamlessly delivers conformal dose to a prescribed target. The SARRP is dynamic and flexible in design to aid researchers in achieving experimental goals.
- Provides state-of-the-art 3D volumetric image guidance for target localisation and dose delivery
- Minimised exposure to non-targeted tissues and organs
- Non-invasive procedure
- Easy to use, reliable, and reproducible
- Customizable to meet new and innovative applications
- High resolution, low imaging dose, on board cone beam-CT imaging and 3D reconstruction
- Image fusion for increased accuracy in target localization and avoidance of organs at risk
- High precision beam geometry to achieve 3D-conformal dose distributions
- Open platform to enable the addition of other imaging modalities and future technologies
Enhanced Imaging
Xstrahl has recently developed the industry’s first 3D bioluminescent optical imaging modality. MuriGlo pairs seamlessly with SARRP allowing for the accurate identification of a soft tissue tumor in a soft tissue microenvironment through bioluminescent imaging. Through a specialized algorithm, MuriGlo can identify the lesion by center of mass, and fuse the target to the reconstructed cone beam CT for accurate targeting.
Dose Planning
SARRP utilizes a fully integrated, standalone treatment planning software called MuriPlan. This software allows investigators to control all hardware aspects and systems components from the computer control station. Through this single piece of software, the researcher can acquire a CT, register images, contour the target or normal tissue, define the isocenter, design beam arrangements, calculate and verify dose, save treatment plans for later use/reference, and execute the designed treatment.
Research Applications
SARRP enables investigators from various backgrounds to perform clinically relevant research in a preclinical laboratory setting. The ability to mimic clinical radiation practice in an in vivo model allows for investigation of research end points that have not been attainable up until now. Adopting clinical techniques like imaging, target localization, and avoidance of normal tissue toxicity will only drive the field and understanding of radiation effects to the tumor forward.
- Pre-clinical studies
- Radiobiology and Physics
- Tumour response and control
- Clinically relevant treatment planning
- DNA damage
- Immunotherapy
- Tumour micro-environment characterization
- Hypoxia
- Bystander effect
- Normal tissue toxicity
- Abscopal response
- Radiosensitizers and Radioprotectors
- Cardiovascular toxicity
- Oncology research
- Validation of clinical findings
In Vitro Studies
SARRP will greatly improve the accuracy and reproducibility of in vitro experiments. Most radiation research systems have a fixed X-ray source, which can result in beam attenuation and uneven dose distribution to the cell suspension. The SARRP’s 360 degree rotating gantry allows investigators to account for this by giving the option of irradiating from above and underneath the flask. This technique ensures a uniform dose to all suspended and adherent cells.
For those experiments that require stacking plates, the stack can be irradiated from top and bottom, or side to side. In this configuration, the dose uniformity is within 6% across a 6cm stack of plates; which vastly increases throughput while maintaining a constant dose.
In Vivo Studies
The real benefit comes with small animals. There are a variety of accessories that allow the SARRP to be able to target specific organs, tumors or Xenographs and minimize dose to non-targeted tissues.
The Portal imaging camera provides a fluoroscopic X-ray image of the specimen, or so called “beams eye view.” This allows the user to guide their radiation beam to the correct target, which is visible on the 2 D X-ray. As a comparison, the SARRP set up and delivery is equivalent to clinical practice, where cone beam CT is not available. AP and Lateral Portal images can be obtained to verify the target is in the correct position. The X,Y,Z manual stages allow the user to accurately position the Animal.
SARRP System in Detail
The SARRP irradiation platform cabinet has been developed to match the standard of care for radiation treatments in a pre-clinic setting, and is designed to fit through a standard doorway, lead shielded, has a motorised 360 degree rotating gantry and a 4-dimensional plane robotic stage.
Please have a closer look at the main parts of the SARRP system by pointing at different areas in the picture on the right.
Publications
There have been over 100 articles published with the help of the SARRP. For the full list of articles please click here to be directed to our publication resource page.
March 4, 2021
February 25, 2021
Add Ons & Accessories
In order to drive the field of pre-clinical radiation biology forward, technology must keep pace with clinical advancements. At Xstrahl, we’re dedicated to developing new and cutting-edge technology that allow for more precise and dynamic experimental methods. These company values can be seen in the development of the motorized variable collimator, respiratory gating system, and MuriGlo. All of which can be easily integrated into SARRP in a “plug-and-play” function of use.
For more information about the SARRP download our brochure.
Technical Specification
External Dimensions: W-148 cm, D-104 cm, H-205 cm
Total Weight Shielded Cabinet: 2540 kg Total Weight
Unshielded Cabinet: 454 kg
Treatment distances: 30-38cm or 80cm FSD
Maximum Field Size: 18 cm circle at 35 cm FSD
Tube Voltage: 20-220 kV
Tube Current: 0-25 mA
Maximum Power Output: 3 kW
Mobile Built on wheels for simple transport
Manual Stage Z direction manual movements
Control Interface Operates X-rays
Other Products
The SARRP range of research platforms delivers targeted radiation to pre-clinical models with an accuracy equivalent to clinical radiotherapy. Check out the rest of our Life Sciences range.
