Translational Biology Core

Project Abstract (Core B) In this revised application, modifications from the previous submission are marked in blue. Core B is designed to provide support to the projects by standardizing common methods and resources, ensuring consistency and quantitative accuracy across the Program Project. Each service of the Core is relevant to and will be utilized by each project. In addition to providing state-of-the-art preclinical radiotherapy and histopathology services in order to bring accurate and reproducible methodology across the program project, we will also leverage the data generated in this effort in order to develop automated target delineation and treatment planning algorithms using machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches. The goals of Core B are fourfold, and encompass both service and technique development efforts: Specific Aim 1: Treat tumors and normal tissues in small animals with radiation using clinically relevant conformal image-guided techniques. Specific Aim 2: Utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to automate tissue and tumor segmentation and radiation treatment plan definition. Specific Aim 3: Perform histopathologic analysis of tissue specimens collected from experimental subjects. Specific Aim 4: Provide a centralized repository of cell lines, animal strains, media, and serum for each project. Previously, the Core supported commissioning of radiotherapy techniques and dosimetric verification at both Stanford and Oxford. With the centralization of all P01 activities at Stanford, the Core is now fully focused on supporting project and core activities on campus. The scope of the Core activities remains unchanged.