Multimodality animal rotation imaging system (Mars) for in vivo detection of intraperitoneal tumors

PROBLEM Ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) have been postulated as the potential source of recurrence and chemoresistance. Therefore identification of OvCSC and their complete removal is a pivotal stage for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The objective of the following study was to develop a new in vivo imaging model that allows for the detection and monitoring of OCSCs. METHOD OF STUDY  OCSCs were labeled with X-Sight 761 Nanospheres and injected intra-peritoneally (i.p.) and sub-cutaneously (s.c.) to Athymic nude mice. The Carestream In-Vivo Imaging System FX was used to obtain X-ray and, concurrently, near-infrared fluorescence images. Tumor images in the mouse were observed from different angles by automatic rotation of the mouse. RESULTS  X-Sight 761 Nanospheres labeled almost 100% of the cells. No difference on growth rate was observed between labeled and unlabeled cells. Tumors were observed and monitoring revealed strong signaling up to 21 days. CONCLUSION  We describe the use of near-infrared nanoparticle probes for in vivo imaging of metastatic ovarian cancer models. Visualization of multiple sites around the animals was enhanced with the use of the Carestream Multimodal Animal Rotation System.