Investigation of Metastatic Breast Tumor Heterogeneity and Progression Using Dual Optical/SPECT Imaging. Addendum; Final addendum rept. 1 May 2007-30 Apr 2008

摘要

The goal of our project was to develop methods to image the processes that occur during tumor growth and metastatic spread or regression including the fate of minimal residual disease. The key to this was through the development of a dual modality imaging system capable of performing both optical and SPECT imaging in mice. To do so it is necessary to test the limits of sensitivity of newly developed techniques: our technical goal is to develop integrated light emission and single photon emission tomography. We have made substantial progress in our techniques for the detection of metastases. We have demonstrated our capability to detect millimeter or sub-millimeter metastases in mice by light emission. To this end we have used Light Emission Tomography (LET) a technique based on bioluminescence of cancer cells transfected with lucifernse to detect metastases in the lung bones and head. We have begun assessment of perfusion using fluorescence imaging. In addibon our technological focus is on the simultaneous use of Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and to this end we have developed a new form of micro-SPECT based on cooled electron-multiplied Charge-Coupled Devices (EMCCDs).