The UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) Translational Imaging Research Working Group (TIRWG) seamlessly integrates imaging and clinical expertise by facilitating intra- and inter-programmatic collaboration and interactions. Led by Dr. Robert Jeraj, TIRWG is composed of a program manager, imaging research specialists and data managers with specific expertise in all imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound), evaluating imaging response through imaging biomarkers, the development of clinical protocols with imaging endpoints, and conducting clinical trials.
The research infrastructure of the TIRWG is the Translational Imaging Research Core (TIRC), explained below. TIRWG members are comprised of UWCCC members from the Imaging and Radiation Sciences Program and members from other programs who share an interest in approaching problems concurrently from the clinical and imaging perspective and using both primary clinical and imaging endpoints in clinical trials.
- TIRWG members meet bi-weekly to discuss subjects actively being imaged on UWCCC clinical trials, discuss protocol related issues, review all UWCCC research involving imaging, and share developments in the laboratory and clinical realm
- TIRWG approval is required prior to the activation of any clinical protocol involving imaging research
Translational Imaging Research Core
The UWCCC Translational Imaging Research Core (TIRC) is designed to provide a "one-stop-shop" for all imaging needs by providing comprehensive imaging services and managing the complexity of the imaging services for UWCCC investigators. The TIRC is led by Dr. Scott Perlman and is institutionally supported through the Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics.
Services include:
- Consultation: The centralization of imaging consulting is performed by the Image Response Assessment Teams (IRAT). A questionnaire is completed by investigators and reviewed by imaging experts who recommend potential imaging collaborators. Investigators are paired with the imaging investigator and either a consultation is performed by TIRC or an imaging/clinical research collaboration is initiated.
- Coordination: The TIRWG program manager in collaboration with the Disease Oriented Working Groups/Clinical Research Groups, work together for efficient, effective and high quality implementation of complex imaging clinical protocols (multi-modality, multi-tracer, multi-time points and multi-institutional) to ensure federal, state and local regulatory requirements are met.
- Imaging Quality Assurance: TIRC has adopted the NCI CQIE initiative and provides a comprehensive approach to QA from imaging procedures to image analysis for more successful execution of single-center and multi-center imaging clinical trials.
TIRWG/TIRC activities are coordinated by the Office of Translational Research Services (OTRS) office. OTRS staff can be contacted via email otrs@uwcarbone.wisc.edu or by calling (608) 262-8016.
