Mouse imaging services

Preclinical imaging systems are essential for accurate measurements of tumor growth, metastasis formation, and therapy response in mouse models of human cancer. For this purpose, a dedicated Imaging Unit within the NKI animal facility is available to researchers interested in incorporating imaging into their studies. The imaging unit consists of an imaging suite of both functional and anatomical imaging for the purpose of in vivo imaging in mice. The systems available in the imaging unit are small animal versions of similar devices available in the clinic for the purpose of translational research.

The imaging unit can help you start treatment at the right moment, measure therapy response, get psychological information about your tumor model, look at the blood brain barrier, get great images for publications and presentations, do translational research and much more.

Services

The MCCA Imaging Unit offers a full service package for researchers interested in incorporating imaging into their research. The services offered consist of the following:

Radiotracers are obtained through the nuclear medicine department. Depending on the tracer, either PET/CT or SPECT/CT can be used.

The 7T MRI provides high resolution imaging of the brain, tumor, abdomen, and other parts of the mouse body. The MRI also measure tumor characteristics through diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy.

In addition to PET/CT and SPECT/CT, it is possible to have registered PET/MRI data via the multimodal bed. The multimodal bed allows for transfer between the PET/CT and 1T MRI without moving the mouse.

In addition to imaging acquisitions, the MCCA Imaging Unit offers analysis solutions for researchers. A suite of advanced analysis software is available to provide the most comprehensive analysis of images for all the imaging modalities available at NKI.

Equipment

The imaging unit consists of an imaging suite of both functional and anatomical imaging for the purpose of in vivo imaging in mice. The systems available in the imaging unit are small animal versions of similar devices available in the clinic for the purpose of translational research.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful medical imaging modality that can provide anatomical and physiological information using strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to manipulate the nuclear spin. Anatomical images can be formed through T1 and T2 weighted imaging, and contrast agents can be used to distinguish tumors from surrounding tissue. Physiological information can also be determined with techniques such as diffusion, perfusion, and angiography. Moreover, relative metabolite concentrations can be determined through spectroscopy. For these reasons, MRI is one of the most useful cancer imaging modalities.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear imaging where functional information is ascertained via the injection of positron-emitting radiotracers. PET is often combined with computed tomography (CT), which provides a 3D anatomical correlation using x-rays. Together, PET/CT can be used to accurately and precisely locate tumors through the detection of high uptake of the injected radiotracer. The most commonly used tracer is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which is taken up by highly energetic tissues, such as tumors. Other commonly used tracers include 68Ga-DOTATATE, which aids in the detection of neuroendocrine tumors by binding to somatostatin receptors, and 18F-choline, which can detect quickly proliferating cells such as tumors that take up choline for the generation of phospholipids in the cell membrane. Due to the abundance of radiotracers available, PET/CT is a primary detection method for several types of tumors and metastases.

Optical imaging is a highly useful imaging modality for cancer research, which is used for bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging. Bioluminescence imaging is often performed via the incorporation of the luciferase protein into tumor cells that are subsequently injected into a laboratory mouse. By injecting D-luciferin, light is produced and tumor growth can be tracked by the intensity of the light. Fluorescence imaging can be likewise useful in tumor monitoring via the incorporation of fluorescent markers in the tumor cells or the injection of fluorescent dyes.

Single positron emission tomography (SPECT) is another type of nuclear imaging, which generates images via the detection of gamma-emitting radiotracers. The most commonly used SPECT isotope is 99mTc, which is often labelled with methylene diphosphonate in order to detect bone metastases. There are numerous SPECT radiotracers available, which can be used for a variety of techniques, such as bone scans, myocardial perfusion, and radiotherapy.

Low field Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for basic anatomical correlation of nuclear medicine. CT is already incorporated into the PET and SPECT systems, but has limited soft tissue contrast. A multimodal bed is available to provide registered PET/CT and MRI data.