High resolution X-ray computed tomography: An emerging tool for small animal cancer research

Dedicated high-resolution small animal imaging systems have recently emerge d as important new tools for cancer research. These new imaging systems per mit researchers to noninvasively screen animals for mutations or pathologie s and to monitor disease progression and response to therapy. One imaging m odality, X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) shows promise as a cost-e ffective means for detecting and characterizing soft-tissue structures, ske letal abnormalities, and tumors in live animals. MicroCT systems provide hi gh-resolution 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 imagi ng is reviewed, and key considerations for designing small animal microCT i maging protocols are summarized. Recent studies on mouse prostate, lung and bane tumor models are overviewed.