Award or Grant: National Institutes of Health (NIH), S10OD030447
The lab’s research efforts using iodine (I)-124 positron emission tomography (PET) to image viral vectors require a cyclotron for production of the radioisotope. The cyclotron, in turn, requires special targetry to produce iodine (I)-124. The research resources at the Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center (CBIC) include a 19 MeV cyclotron supporting more than 40 research projects initiated by investigators in radiology, neurology, genetic medicine and other departments. The lab has worked, over the last two years, with the lab’s vendor to design a complete refurbishment and upgrade package for this instrument that includes a special target switching assembly.
In general, the cyclotron is a major component of Weill Cornell Medicine strategic investments in crucial imaging infrastructure used to advance basic, translational and clinical research, and is a vital tool for the lab’s large and growing pool of investigators utilizing PET in their projects. The proposed upgrades and refurbishment will give the lab new state-of-the-art cyclotron technology, including complete replacement of the ion source, radiofrequency, computer control and target assembly subsystems, that will facilitate innovative research projects using PET over the next two decades. The project's successful completion will contribute significantly to the lab’s goal of understanding and treating diseases including neurodegeneration, cancers, psychiatric disorders, genetic disorders, inflammatory and vascular diseases. The proposed upgrades and refurbishment are critical to the lab’s mission of providing high-level, uninterrupted research support for investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health and other sponsors on both campuses.