MILabs is pleased to announce that the BC Cancer Agency, located in Vancouver, British Columbia will install a MILabs U-SPECT/CT system to expand their current molecular oncology imaging and research capabilities. The U-SPECT/CT is able to deliver superior resolution, sensitivity and scanning speed contributing to outstanding quantification results and the unmatched ability to detect heterogeneous molecular processes in tumors.
The MILabs U-SPECT/CT will be housed in the BC Cancer Agency Animal Recourse Centre Facility which is a Level II clean containment lab facilitating manipulation of immunocompromised animals. It is intended for the U-SPECT/CT to be used in hybrid, multi-modal experiments with other imaging modalities in the facility.
Utilization of the system will be lead by Francois Benard, MD Ph.D. currently the BC Leadership Chair in Functional Cancer Imaging based at both the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer Agency. Dr. Benard’s research focuses on advanced cancer imaging techniques that can be used in a broad range of research applications, such as non-invasive methods of monitoring the response of primary and metastatic tumors to chemotherapy.
Dr. Benard’s research also focuses on the testing of novel radiotracers used in molecular oncology imaging to further characterize breast tumors. His research supports several breast cancer clinical trials with the overall aim to determine how molecular imaging with genetic tumor classification can improve decision making and prognosis for women with hormone-responsive breast tumors.
MILabs is very excited to have the opportunity to work with such a prestigious institution and team of investigators as the BC Cancer Agency and for the U-SPECT/CT system to support and play an important role in the development of new, targeted radiotracers and to advancing cancer research in British Columbia.
Together with the University of British Colombia, the BC Cancer Agency is the second Vancouver institution this year to obtain a MILabs system. Combined with recent North American installations at Duke University and the Mayo Clinic they signal MILabs as the provider of SPECT with the highest system resolution, sensitivity and speed.
About the British Columbia Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence and mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The Agency is supported by the BC Cancer Foundation which raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care.
