Noninvasive Imaging of Tumor Burden and Molecular Pathways in Mouse Models of Cancer

摘要: Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of cancer and evaluation therapeutic efficacy patients with cancer. Because macroscopic imaging is noninvasive quantitative, development specialized instruments for small animals has spurred increasing utilization preclinical studies. Some small-animal devices are miniaturized derivatives clinical modalities, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission single-photon emission ultrasonography. Optical bioluminescence fluorescence evolved from microscopic cellular technologies. Here, we review how current modalities enabling high-resolution structural micrometer-scale spatial resolution, thus allowing quantification tumor burden genetically engineered orthotopic models cancer, where tumors develop within organs not typically accessible to measurements calipers. Beyond measuring size, increasingly being used assess activity molecular pathways reveal pharmacodynamic targeted therapies. Each technology particular strengths limitations, discuss studies should be carefully designed match approach primary experimental question.