Gunter Wolf1, Nasreddin Abolmaali. 1. OncoRay, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University of Technology-Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We investigated the capability of small animal imaging in clinical scanners for cancer research focusing on positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We summarise basic principles, benefits and drawbacks of imaging modalities and discuss issues associated with animal welfare during imaging and its related effects on imaging results based on data from literature supplemented by own experiences. RESULTS: MRI of tumour-bearing mice and rats in the clinical scanner is well-established for morphological and functional imaging in oncology. Clinical PET/CT did not yet establish as a research tool due to limited resolution and sensitivity, but its feasibility for tumour imaging has been demonstrated in mice. Anesthesia, animal handling and application of substances (e.g., contrast media) may alter animal physiology and, thus, also influence imaging results. CONCLUSIONS: Small animal imaging in clinical scanners offers good image quality and presents an alternative to dedicated small animal scanners for numerous applications in cancer research. Successful and meaningful small animal imaging in clinical as well as dedicated scanners prerequisites a thorough knowledge of animal morphology and physiology, a deep understanding of likely influences of animal manipulation on imaging and an adequate care for animal welfare.
PURPOSE: We investigated the capability of small animal imaging in clinical scanners for cancer research focusing on positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We summarise basic principles, benefits and drawbacks of imaging modalities and discuss issues associated with animal welfare during imaging and its related effects on imaging results based on data from literature supplemented by own experiences. RESULTS: MRI of tumour-bearing mice and rats in the clinical scanner is well-established for morphological and functional imaging in oncology. Clinical PET/CT did not yet establish as a research tool due to limited resolution and sensitivity, but its feasibility for tumour imaging has been demonstrated in mice. Anesthesia, animal handling and application of substances (e.g., contrast media) may alter animal physiology and, thus, also influence imaging results. CONCLUSIONS: Small animal imaging in clinical scanners offers good image quality and presents an alternative to dedicated small animal scanners for numerous applications in cancer research. Successful and meaningful small animal imaging in clinical as well as dedicated scanners prerequisites a thorough knowledge of animal morphology and physiology, a deep understanding of likely influences of animal manipulation on imaging and an adequate care for animal welfare.
Authors: Stefanie Kirschner; Bettina Mürle; Manuela Felix; Anna Arns; Christoph Groden; Frederik Wenz; Andreas Hug; Gerhard Glatting; Martin Kramer; Frank A Giordano; Marc A Brockmann Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-11-09 Impact factor: 3.240