X-RAD 320 with OptiMax

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS) was established to accelerate the discovery and clinical
implementation of new therapeutic strategies in clinical radiotherapy at the University of Maryland School of
Medicine. DTRS and the Department of Radiation Oncology have been at the forefront of this field for several
decades, having been one of the first institutions to secure a Medical Countermeasures Against Radiological
Threats (MCART) consortium award from the NIH in 2005. DTRS currently leads two NIH-sponsored consortia:
the Intercollaborative Radiation Countermeasures (INTERACT) Consortium (5U19AI150574-05), and the
Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network on Oligometastasis (ROBIN OligoMET, 5U54CA273956-03).
Our experienced physicists perform both in vitro and in vivo irradiations (in small and large animals) for
investigators involved in these two consortia, as well as for other researchers requiring precise and accurate
delivery of radiation doses in their experiments. DTRS is not a core facility but operates on a fee-for-service
basis to perform and support these procedures for investigators across campus. A large number of our users
rely on our current XRAD-320 X-ray irradiator, which has become increasingly unreliable, as the manufacturer
no longer services the power generator or offers preventive maintenance, making future repairs potentially
impossible. Our department also utilizes cesium-137 irradiators that must be phased out to comply with the U.S.
Congress–mandated National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which calls for the elimination of all cesium-
based irradiators in the U.S. by December 31, 2027, to mitigate national security risks associated with high-
activity radioactive sources.
We are therefore proposing to replace our aging and unsupported irradiator technology with a modern X-RAD
320 equipped with OptiMAX imaging. This state-of-the-art instrument offers advanced imaging capabilities,
enabling precise targeting of radiation delivery to biological tissues. It will support current studies with improved
accuracy, allow for the development of new experimental designs, and reduce labor requirements for existing
protocols. Additionally, this system is considered one of the most suitable replacements for Cs-137 gamma
irradiators. We have identified a group of NIH-funded users within the University of Maryland who rely on the
current system or who would benefit from expanded capacity beyond what our aging platform can reliably
support. Many of the research projects described in this application are translational in nature and aim to
accelerate the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Our
institution is committed to providing substantial support for the installation and long-term operation of this system.
The management and operational infrastructure are already in place, led by an outstanding technical team
dedicated to delivering high-quality service to all users.

Grant Number: 1S10OD040100-01
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: France Carrier