Elsevier

Neoplasia

Volume 2, Issues 1–2, January–April 2000, Pages 62-70
Neoplasia

High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography: An Emerging Tool for Small Animal Cancer Research1

https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.neo.7900069Get rights and content
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open access

Abstract

Dedicated high-resolution small animal imaging systems have recently emerged as important new tools for cancer research. These new imaging systems permit researchers to noninvasively screen animals for mutations or pathologies and to monitor disease progression and response to therapy. One imaging modality, X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) shows promise as a cost-effective means for detecting and characterizing soft-tissue structures, skeletal abnormalities, and tumors in live animals. MicroCT systems provide highresolution images (typically 50 microns or less), rapid data acquisition (typically 5 to 30 minutes), excellent sensitivity to skeletal tissue and good sensitivity to soft tissue, particularly when contrast-enhancing media are employed. The development of microCT technology for small animal imaging is reviewed, and key considerations for designing small animal microCT imaging protocols are summarized. Recent studies on mouse prostate, lung and bone tumor models are overviewed.

Keywords

microCT
X-ray
microtomography
animal model

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1

Research sponsored by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05-96OR22464.