SaMIRA, formerly the IVIF, provides state-of-the-art multimodal imaging and specialized support for the development and evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals across UPMC Hillman Cancer Center programs. Its facility offers a full suite of advanced small animal imaging platforms, including PETCT, SPECTCT (coming 2026), optical imaging (bioluminescence and fluorescence), MRI, and ultrasound; enabling real time, noninvasive assessment of disease biology and therapeutic response in preclinical models. These capabilities help refine experimental design, reduce animal use, and promote ethical, reproducible research.
In addition to imaging services, SaMIRA supports radiopharmaceutical innovation by leveraging inhouse expertise in PET and SPECT tracer development, radiotherapeutic design and testing, and access to dedicated radiochemistry laboratories and radiation approved facilities. SaMIRA also contributes to clinical research by processing and evaluating patient samples from radiopharmaceutical trials.
Phone Number: 412-864-7960
Email: SAMIRAhillman@groups.pitt.edu or ivifhillman@groups.pitt.edu
Location & Hours of Operation
Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232
| Self-Use | 24/7 for trained users on select instruments |
| Assisted-Use | M-F 9:00a-5:00p |
Citation Information
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P30CA047904 and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Small Animal Multimodal Imaging and Radiotherapeutic Applications facility (RRID:SCR_025360).