Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Non-Invasive PET/MR Imaging in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: August 31, 2022
Combined microPET/CT for imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice
Christian von Falck1, Thomas Rodt, Roman Halter
1Institute of Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. c.v.falck@gmx.de
Abstract:
The EGF-transgenic mouse is a genetic model of hepatocellular carcinoma that allows for a comprehensive study of signal pathways, molecular interactions and the evaluation of novel therapeutic concepts. In this regard, non-invasive imaging tools for serial in-vivo monitoring of tumor load and growth are highly desirable. This study therefore aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of non-invasive in-vivo imaging of primary liver malignancies in mice using combined contrast-enhanced microCT and F-18 FDG microPET. In our murine disease model, microCT enabled imaging of primary liver tumors down to a lesional diameter of 0.9 mm. F-18 FDG tumor-to-non-tumor ratio of HCCs was observed to be dependent on lesion size and linked to overpression of glucose transporters and hexokinase isoenzymes as determined by gene expression studies. Histopathologic analyses indicated an increased cellular dedifferentiation with increase lesion size, as well.
Insights
This study demonstrates non-invasive imaging of liver cancer in mice using microCT and microPET. These techniques allow early detection and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models are crucial for studying cancer pathways and therapies.
- Non-invasive in-vivo imaging is needed for monitoring tumor progression in these models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of combined contrast-enhanced microCT and F-18 FDG microPET for non-invasive imaging of primary liver tumors in EGF-transgenic mice.
- To correlate imaging findings with molecular and histopathological characteristics of HCC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized EGF-transgenic mice as a genetic model for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Employed combined contrast-enhanced micro computed tomography (microCT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (microPET) for in-vivo imaging.
- Performed gene expression and histopathological analyses to assess tumor characteristics.
Main Results:
- MicroCT successfully imaged primary liver tumors as small as 0.9 mm in diameter.
- The F-18 FDG tumor-to-non-tumor ratio in HCCs correlated with lesion size and was linked to glucose transporter and hexokinase isoenzyme expression.
- Histopathology revealed increased cellular dedifferentiation with increasing tumor size.
Conclusions:
- Combined microCT and microPET offer a feasible non-invasive imaging approach for monitoring liver tumors in a genetic HCC mouse model.
- Imaging findings reflect underlying molecular changes and tumor dedifferentiation, aiding in the evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
