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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Murine Model for Non-invasive Imaging to Detect and Monitor Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Published on: November 2, 2014
Characterization of an intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenograft model in nude rats using noninvasive microPET imaging
C L Zavaleta1, W T Phillips, Y C Bradley
1Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
Abstract:
MicroPET is a noninvasive imaging modality that can potentially track tumor development in nude rats using the radiotracer fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG). Our goal was to determine whether microPET, as opposed to more invasive techniques, could be used to noninvasively monitor the development of ovarian cancer in the peritoneal cavity of nude rats for monitoring treatment response in future studies. Female nude rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with 36 million NIH:OVCAR-3 cells. Imaging was carried out at 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks postinoculation. Each rat was fasted overnight and intravenously injected with 11.1 MBq (300 microCi) of (18)F-FDG in 0.2 mL of saline. Thirty minutes following injection, the rats were placed in the microPET and scanned for 30 min. After imaging, rats were euthanized for ascites and tissue collection for biodistribution and histopathologic correlation. Standard uptake values (SUVs) of (18)F-FDG within the peritoneal cavity were also calculated from regions of interest analysis of the microPET images. MicroPET images showed diffuse increased uptake of (18)F-FDG throughout the peritoneal cavity of tumor rats (mean SUV=4.64) compared with control rats (mean SUV=1.03). Ascites gathered from tumor-bearing rats had increased (18)F-FDG uptake as opposed to the peritoneal fluid collected from control rats. Biodistribution data revealed that the percent injected dose per gram (% ID/g) was significantly higher in tumor-bearing rats (6.29%) than in control rats (0.59%) in the peritoneal lymph nodes. Pathology verified that these lymph nodes were more reactive in tumor-bearing rats. By 6 weeks, some rats developed solid masses within the peritoneum, which could be detected on microPET images and confirmed as tumor by histopathology. (18)F-FDG uptake in these tumors at necropsy was 2.83% ID/g. These results correlate with previous invasive laparoscopic studies of the same tumor model and demonstrate that microPET using (18)F-FDG is a promising noninvasive tool to localize and follow tumor growth in an intraperitoneal ovarian cancer model.
Insights
This study shows that microPET imaging with fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) can noninvasively track ovarian cancer growth in nude rats. This technique offers a promising alternative to invasive methods for monitoring tumor development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Ovarian cancer diagnosis and monitoring often rely on invasive procedures.
- Noninvasive imaging techniques are needed to track tumor development and treatment response.
- MicroPET offers high-resolution imaging for small animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of microPET with (18)F-FDG for noninvasive monitoring of intraperitoneal ovarian cancer growth in nude rats.
- To compare microPET findings with invasive methods like histopathology.
- To establish a preclinical model for future ovarian cancer treatment studies.
Main Methods:
- Female nude rats were inoculated with NIH:OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells.
- MicroPET imaging was performed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postinoculation after (18)F-FDG injection.
- Ascites and tissues were collected for biodistribution and histopathologic correlation.
- Standard Uptake Values (SUVs) and percent injected dose per gram (% ID/g) were calculated.
Main Results:
- MicroPET images revealed significantly increased (18)F-FDG uptake in the peritoneal cavity of tumor-bearing rats compared to controls (mean SUV 4.64 vs 1.03).
- (18)F-FDG uptake was higher in ascites and peritoneal lymph nodes of tumor-bearing rats.
- Solid tumor masses were detected by microPET by 6 weeks and confirmed by histopathology.
Conclusions:
- MicroPET imaging with (18)F-FDG is a sensitive and noninvasive tool for localizing and monitoring intraperitoneal ovarian cancer growth in a preclinical rat model.
- This method correlates well with invasive techniques and can aid in assessing treatment response in future studies.
