Preclinical imaging platform (PET, CT, MRI, optical), radiochemistry and development of new imaging technologies
The Sherbrooke Molecular Imaging Centre (CIMS) of the Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUS) provides researchers and the industry with a unique range of preclinical and clinical imaging technologies. It has recognized expertise in positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging. With two cyclotrons and its radiochemistry service, the centre offers a wide range of radiotracers (C-11, N-13, F-18, Cu-64, Tc-99m) and radiopharmaceuticals (FDG, FTHA, acetate, acetoacetate, carvedilol, PIB). The centre’s laboratories are also actively involved in developing new preclinical imagers and new pharmaceutical agents for preclinical and clinical imaging (radiotracers, contrast mediums and optical probes). The centre has all of the infrastructure required for in vitro and in vivo validation (in animals and in clinical environments). Its clinical work serves a large population, and it is actively involved in research on oncology, cardiology, metabolism and neurology.
Our research expertise focuses on both animals and humans:
- Radiochemistry service that offers biomolecule labelling with different radiotracers. Measurement of the in vitro and in vivo stability of radiopharmaceuticals including biodistribution studies.
- Preclinical and clinical imaging (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI and optical imaging).
- Monitoring of cardiac function and metabolism by PET/CT/MRI. Cerebral imaging. Therapeutic monitoring in murine and xenograft cancer models. Imaging assessments of new drugs.
- Pharmacokinetics analysis and image processing service using an image analysis and visualization platform.
- Animal facilities for housing small- and medium-sized animals on location.
- Instrumentation and engineering component that works on developing new scanners and medical devices.
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Preclinical imaging | Triumph™ 8 cm PET/SPECT/CT | Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals |
| LabPET™ 4 cm PET | Functional imaging of small animals | |
| LabPET™ II PET/SPECT | Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals | |
| Optima™ SPECT | Functional imaging of big and small animals | |
| Varian™ 7 t MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging of small animals | |
| QOS™ optical imager | Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals | |
| Hidex Automatic Gamma Counter | Biodistribution analysis | |
| Preclinical services | Animal facilities with ventilated carriers (Level II certified) | Housing on site |
| SAITA 3 | Digital animal files | |
| Clinical imaging | Philips™ Gemini GXL | Functional and anatomical imaging of humans |
| Philips™ Gemini TF | Functional and anatomical imaging of humans | |
| Philips™ Ingenia 3 t MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging of humans | |
| Siemens™ 1.5 t MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging of humans | |
| Cyclotrons | EBCO/ACSI TR-19 | Production of radioisotopes |
| ACSI TR-24 | Production of radioisotopes | |
| Radiochemistry | 3 clean rooms | Health Canada certifications |
| Radiosynthesis units | ||
| Hot cells | ||
| Quality control laboratory | ||
| Analytical equipment (HPLC, UPLC, MS) | ||
| Organic chemistry laboratory | ||
| Instrumentation | Computer cluster | Image reconstruction and processing |
| PET/SPECT scanner simulators | Scanner development | |
| Instrumentation laboratory | Design of detectors, scanners and medical devices | |
| Mechanical workshop |
Private and public sector research partners
- Charles River Laboratories Inc.
- iPST
- Medtronic
- AngioTox (EU-FP7)
- GREPAQ
- Université de Montréal
- Montreal Heart Institute
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Research... fundamental for health | Au coeur de la vie 2014 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR-t386dH8k |
| Manning Innovation Awards 2012 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7VmzrRGRc8 |