Investigation of Metastatic Breast Tumor Heterogeneity and Progression Using Dual Optical/SPECT Imaging
Abstract
The goal of our project is to image the processes that occur during tumor growth and metastatic spread or regression including the fate of minimal residual disease. 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 infected with luciferase, to detect metastases in the lung and head. We have begun assessment of perfusion using fluorescence imaging. In addition, 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) with which we are performing ongoing imaging experiments. We have also collaborated on the assessment of a new, promising SPECT imaging agent, clioquinol or Iodinated hydroxyquinoline. We will use bioluminescence imaging to test if clioquinol imaging detects areas where tumor cells proliferate and establish metastases and to identify the relative times at which the images first appear.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471735
Entities
People
- Anca Constantinescu
- Edmond Richer
- Matthew Lewis
- Peter P. Antich
- Ralph Mason
Organizations
- University of Texas at Dallas