Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Intravital Microscopy of Tumor-associated Vasculature Using Advanced Dorsal Skinfold Window Chambers on Transgenic Fluorescent Mice
Published on: January 19, 2018
Application of intravital microscopy in studies of tumor microcirculation
Sarah Jane Lunt1, Colin Gray, Constantino Carlos Reyes-Aldasoro
1University of Sheffield, School of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
To grow and progress, solid tumors develop a vascular network through co-option and angiogenesis that is characterized by multiple structural and functional abnormalities, which negatively influence therapeutic outcome through direct and indirect mechanisms. As such, the morphology and function of tumor blood vessels, plus their response to different treatments, are a vital and active area of biological research. Intravital microscopy (IVM) has played a key role in studies of tumor angiogenesis, and ongoing developments in molecular probes, imaging techniques, and postimage analysis methods have ensured its continued and widespread use. In this review we discuss some of the primary advantages and disadvantages of IVM approaches and describe recent technological advances in optical microscopy (e.g., confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and optical coherence tomography) with examples of their application to studies of tumor angiogenesis.
Insights
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is crucial for studying tumor angiogenesis, revealing abnormal tumor blood vessel development. Advances in imaging techniques enhance its application in understanding tumor vascularization and therapeutic responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Solid tumors require a complex vascular network for growth, often exhibiting abnormalities.
- Tumor blood vessel structure and function significantly impact treatment efficacy.
- Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a key technique for investigating tumor angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and advancements of IVM in tumor angiogenesis research.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of IVM methodologies.
- To highlight recent technological progress in optical microscopy for studying tumor vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on intravital microscopy and tumor angiogenesis.
- Discussion of various optical microscopy techniques including confocal, multiphoton, hyperspectral imaging, and OCT.
- Analysis of applications of these techniques in preclinical tumor models.
Main Results:
- IVM provides critical insights into the dynamic processes of tumor vascularization.
- Technological innovations have expanded the capabilities and resolution of IVM.
- Specific optical microscopy advancements offer new ways to visualize and analyze tumor blood vessels.
Conclusions:
- IVM remains an indispensable tool for understanding tumor angiogenesis.
- Ongoing technological developments continue to enhance the study of tumor vascular abnormalities.
- Improved imaging techniques facilitate better comprehension of how tumor vasculature affects treatment outcomes.
More Related Videos
10:25A Dorsal Skinfold Window Chamber Tumor Mouse Model for Combined Intravital Microscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Translational Cancer Research
Published on: April 12, 2024
08:24Extended Time-lapse Intravital Imaging of Real-time Multicellular Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: June 12, 2016