In Russia, phantom rats were created to replace real ones in scientific experiments

The use of animals in scientific experiments has been criticized. Many note that this is inhumane, but

They are countered that so far there is no full-fledged replacement for laboratory rats. Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have proposed a possible solution to the problem. Discuss

Researchers have developed a dosimetric phantom- 3D models of laboratory rats and mice. They can completely replace real animals at some stages of research in the field of radiation therapy of oncological diseases.

For this procedure, it is important to minimize the negativeEffect. Therefore, first it is necessary to obtain tomographic data of the irradiation site, correctly outline the tumor and critical organs, select the required radiation dose, draw up a correct plan, check it with a dosimetric phantom, and only then irradiate patients.

12

Photo: TPU

Artificial animal models for researchcan be printed on a 3D printer. Two types of plastic are used: for soft tissues and for bone. The model should be as close as possible to the real anatomy of the animal. The use of such phantoms will reduce the number of live rats and mice in preclinical trials.