Multimodal imaging analysis of tumor progression and bone resorption in a murine cancer model.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the use of multimodal imaging to qualitatively and quantitatively measure tumor progression and bone resorption in a xenotransplanted tumor model of human neuroblastoma.

METHODS

Human neuroblastoma cells expressing a luciferase reporter gene were injected into the femur of nu/nu mice. Tumor progression with and without zoledronic acid treatment was monitored using radiographs, D-luciferin-induced luminescence, micro-computer tomography (CT) and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

We observed a gradual increase in D-luciferin-based bioluminescence concomitant with detectable osteolytic lesions. Tumor growth was inhibited (P=0.003-0.07) with zoledronic acid treatment. Micro-CT analysis in vivo provided a method to quantify bone loss, and its prevention by zoledronic acid. High-resolution MRI images allowed the observation of tumor cells within the bone marrow cavity, as well as distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal imaging allows to measure tumor growth and bone resorption simultaneously in vivo and also proved useful in the detection distant metastasis.