“With the growing use of in vivo imaging for cancer phenotyping of small animals, we applaud the leadership that the University of Massachusetts has taken in developing this Workshop and VisualSonics is pleased to sponsor and present our Vevo 660™ imaging system,” said Tom Little, CEO of VisualSonics Inc. “We believe that with the utility of high-resolution ultrasound to view and quantify orthotopic and subcutaneous tumors in mice and rats — in vivo — to detect apoptosis, to visualize vasculature in and around tumors and to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutics in longitudinal studies, the rapid adoption of high-resolution ultrasound will continue within the preclinical marketplace. We fully support U Mass’s strategy of helping scientists better understand the utility of in vivo imaging through hands-on demonstrations of the modalities.” As part of the 3-day Workshop, scientists will have the opportunity to hear lectures presented from subject matter experts representing six major imaging modalities (high-resolution ultrasound, small animal magnetic resonance imaging, optical, microSPECT/microCT and microPET) for small animal imaging for cancer research. The 50-some attendees will then rotate through four 4-hour in vivo demonstrations, having the ability to observe and participate in imaging sessions of mice with five of the modalities.

“We are pleased to provide the forum to bring together leading authorities and scientists along with the preclinical imaging industry leaders in an intensive and scientifically-focused workshop”, said Dr. Don Hnatowich, Professor, Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School. “The fact that the course is oversubscribed – from delegates traveling globally as well as across North America – reflects the growing interest for in vivo imaging as a key component to small animal research studies of cancer and other diseases.”

The merger of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center with Memorial Hospital in April 1998, formed UMass Memorial Health Care, an integrated system covering the complete health care continuum with teaching hospitals, affiliated community hospitals, freestanding primary care practices, ambulatory outpatient clinics, a long-term care facility, home health agency, rehabilitation group and mental health services. UMass Memorial is the clinical partner of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.