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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Radiosynthesis, Quality Control, and Small Animal Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of 68Ga-Labelled Nano Molecules
Published on: October 4, 2024
Small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT: important tools for preclinical investigation
Benjamin L Franc1, Paul D Acton, Carina Mari
1Department of Radiology, Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA. francbl@radiological.com
Abstract:
The need to study dynamic biologic processes in intact small-animal models of disease has stimulated the development of high-resolution nuclear imaging methods. These methods are capable of clarifying molecular interactions important in the onset and progression of disease, assessing the biologic relevance of drug candidates and potential imaging agents, and monitoring therapeutic effectiveness of pharmaceuticals serially within a single-model system. Single-photon-emitting radionuclides have many advantages in these applications, and SPECT can provide 3-dimensional spatial distributions of gamma- (and x-) ray-emitting radionuclide imaging agents or therapeutics. Furthermore, combining SPECT with CT in a SPECT/CT system can assist in defining the anatomic context of biochemical processes and improve the quantitative accuracy of the SPECT data. Over the past decade, dedicated small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT systems have been developed in academia and industry. Although significant progress in this arena has been realized through system development and biologic application, further innovation continues to address challenges in camera sensitivity, spatial resolution, and image reconstruction and quantification. The innumerable applications of small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT in drug development, cardiology, neurology, and oncology are stimulating further investment in education, research, and development of these dedicated small-animal imaging modalities.
Insights
Small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging advances molecular insights into disease and drug development. These high-resolution nuclear imaging techniques offer improved sensitivity, resolution, and quantification for preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Biomedical imaging
- Preclinical research
Background:
- Dynamic biologic processes require advanced imaging in small-animal disease models.
- High-resolution nuclear imaging clarifies molecular interactions and therapeutic responses.
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) offers 3D distribution of radionuclides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and applications of small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT systems.
- To highlight advancements in nuclear imaging for disease research and drug development.
- To identify ongoing challenges and future directions in small-animal SPECT imaging.
Main Methods:
- Development of dedicated small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT systems.
- Integration of SPECT with computed tomography (CT) for anatomical context and quantitative accuracy.
- Advancements in camera sensitivity, spatial resolution, and image reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in dedicated small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT system development.
- Demonstrated utility in assessing molecular interactions, drug efficacy, and therapeutic monitoring.
- Enhanced anatomical localization and quantitative accuracy through SPECT/CT integration.
Conclusions:
- Small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT are crucial tools for studying dynamic biologic processes.
- Continued innovation is needed to overcome limitations in sensitivity, resolution, and quantification.
- These modalities are driving investment in education, research, and development across multiple medical fields.
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