Oncology Precision Therapeutics and Imaging Core (OPTIC)

Left to Right:  Christopher Damoci, Dr. Kenneth Olive, PhD, Wendi Liu, Dr. Yanping Sun PhD, Diana Morales and Christan Simmons.

The Oncology Precision Therapeutics and Imaging Core (OPTIC) Shared Resource assists cancer center members and all Columbia researchers in imaging-based studies and Preclinical In-Vivo Studies. The ability to use imaging-based studies for phenotypic characterization or functional analysis has become of utmost importance for biomedical research. The goal of the OPTIC Core is to provide access to a broad range of in vivo imaging technologies including molecular imaging technologies such as optical imaging, quantitative physiologic imaging with ultrasound, and anatomic imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Most importantly, we provide expertise in planning, executing, and analyzing in vivo imaging studies. 

Services include:

  • Bruker BioSpec 94/20 9.4 Tesla MRI
  • VEVO 3100 High Frequency Ultrasonic Imaging System
  • VEVO 3100 Analysis Software (VevoCQ/ VEVOLAB)
  • Revvity IVIS Spectrum Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Optical Imaging System
  • Living Image 4.4 Optical Imaging Analysis Software
  • Spectral Instruments Imaging AMI HTX Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Optical Imaging System
  • Perkin-Elmer Quantum FX micro-CT Imaging System
  • Mayo Clinic Analyze 12.0/14.0 Imaging analysis software for MRI and CT imaging

Bruker 94/20 Magnetic Resonance Imager 

A Biospec MRI machine in use at the OPTIC shared resource

CUIMC researchers interested in using the Bruker BioSpec for a research project should fill out the 9.4T MRI Research Project Registration Form and contact Yanping Sun, ys2785@cumc.columbia.edu(link sends e-mail)The Bruker 94/20 Magnetic Resonance Imager, a fully shielded, superconducting wide-bore magnet that is nitrogen free and super cooled via a liquid helium reservoir. The MRI suite was specifically built to house this magnet and is actively shielded from stray radio frequencies to allow for more precise imaging and a higher signal-to-noise ratio. It uses a state-of-the-art integrated, laser-guided rail system with water warmed exam beds to allow for homothermic continuity throughout the exam process.

Revvity Quantum FX micro-CT System 

The Quantum FX system is the first stand alone microCT imaging system to deliver high quality images at an X-ray dose low enough to enable true longitudinal microCT imaging in pre-clinical in vivo studies. With Quantum FX you can follow and characterize disease progression throughout your complete study using microCT imaging (micro CT) at every imaging point. ​Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality in the clinical setting. A CT scan makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting. Digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of the object from a large series of two-dimensional radiographic images taken around a single axis of rotation. Cross-sectional images are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical disciplines. Many different investigators in multiple disciplines can benefit from the use of CT images.

VisualSonics Vevo3100 High Resolution Ultrasound System

We also offer the VisualSonics Vevo2100 High Resolution Ultrasound System for small Animal Imaging. The method includes preparation of the animal for real time imaging, 2D and 3D image acquisition, and post-acquisition analysis of tumors volumes. The Vevo 2100 ultrasound system allows us to non-invasively detect and measure abnormalities as well as to compare to normal tissue, thereby identifying the magnitude of the abnormalities. Post acquisition analysis on ultrasound scans is offered with the Vevo2100 Analysis software installed on a dedicated SAI SR computer for qualitative and quantitative assessments and measurements.

Revvity IVIS Spectrum Optical Imaging System 

The IVIS spectrum is an imaging technique that uses bioluminescent and fluorescent reporters that can render into a 3-dimensional view of the animal. This technique is non invasive and can be used for disease progression monitoring as well as observing gene expression patterns in vivo. The Revvity IVIS Spectrum is a State-of-the-art instrument for whole animal fluorescence and luminescence imaging.  This enables sensitive in vivo detection and quantification of optical signals from engineered reporter alleles engineered into whole animals or in implanted tumor cells. One of the two IVIS Spectrum instruments is located within an ABSL3 animal facility to support applications with mice infected with experimental pathogens or otherwise placed under quarantine. Spectral deconvolution that accounts for absorption of photons by tissues enables a pseudo-3D imaging technique that may also be combined with micro-CT datasets acquired on the Quantum FX instrument, via an automated software process in Living Image.

Spectral Instruments Imaging AMI HTX Optical Imaging System

The Spectral Instruments AMI HTX is an advancement in Bioluminescent and Fluorescent imaging engineered with superior optics and industry leading technology. 

The AMI HTX provides unrivaled sensitivity for bioluminescence, fluorescence and X-ray in vivo imaging. Intelligently designed around the needs of animal scientists, all Spectral Instrument Imaging systems include a robust build, patented LED illumination source, custom filter options, -90°C cooled camera, and absolute calibration.

Imaging Analysis Suite

The Columbia University Small Animal Imaging Shared Resource offers multiple high-end computer workstations that have all the necessary analysis and evaluation software for our current modalities. 


Experimental Design and Protocol Development Services

Usage of OPTIC instrumentation and guidance from OPTIC personnel are provided on a fee-for-service basis.

We are happy to provide guidance, education, and assistance for any protocol or application that we have already developed. However, many users have specific needs that are not covered by existing protocols, or their specific application requires modification of existing protocols. 

If you have any questions regarding development projects or other OPTIC services or costs, please contact Chris Damoci (cd2758@cumc.columbia.edu(link sends e-mail))


Locations and Contacts

The Oncology Precision Therapeutics and Imaging Core (OPTIC) Shared Resource Facility is located at:
Irving Cancer Research Center
1130 St. Nicolas Avenue, Room 216

The OPTIC Shared Resource Imaging Analysis Suite and Office is located at:
Irving Cancer Research Center
1130 St. Nicolas Avenue, Room 216

Contacts

Kenneth Olive, PhD
Email: kenolive@columbia.edu(link sends e-mail)

Yanping Sun, PhD, MRI Physicist / Imaging Scientist
Email: ys2785@columbia.edu(link sends e-mail)

Christopher Damoci, Senior Staff Officer / Imaging Scientist
Email: cd2758@columbia.edu(link sends e-mail)


Training, User Fees, and Policies


Online Reservations

The Oncology Precision Therapeutics and Imaging Core Shared Resource uses the iLab Core Management System for service requests and billing. Before you can request services, you must log into iLab and be approved as a lab member.

 

Our Team

  • Yanping Sun, PhD

    • MRI Physicist
  • Christopher Damoci

    • Senior Staff Officer/Imaging Scientist
  • Diana Morales

    • Staff Officer of Research
  • Wendi Liu

    • Technician II
  • Christian Simmons

    • Technician I