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Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers
Published on: July 17, 2012
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High precision fluorescence tomography system for pre-clinical radiation research: system design and validation
Xiangkun Xu1, Yu-Pei Tseng1, Hamid Dehghani2
1Biomedical Imaging and Radiation Technology Laboratory (BIRTLab), Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|December 4, 2025
Summary
We developed a 3D fluorescence tomography (FT) system for precise functional imaging in pre-clinical studies. This system achieves sub-millimeter localization accuracy, enhancing image-guided radiation research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Pre-clinical Radiation Oncology
- Functional Imaging
Background:
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has limitations in soft tissue localization and functional information for pre-clinical radiation studies.
- There is a need for advanced imaging techniques to improve precision in image-guided radiation therapy and treatment assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and integrate a three-dimensional fluorescence tomography (FT) system with small animal irradiators.
- To enhance functional image-guided research by overcoming CBCT limitations in soft tissue localization and functional information.
Main Methods:
- Integrated a compact, multi-projection, multi-spectral FT system with a commercial bioluminescence platform and small animal irradiators.
- Employed laser spot scanning for fluorophore excitation and developed spatial geometry-based methods for image mapping onto CBCT-generated numerical meshes.
- Utilized a self-calibration method with Born-ratio data for FT reconstruction, validated using mouse phantoms and an orthotopic glioblastoma (GBM) model.
Main Results:
- Achieved laser spot mapping accuracy within 0.7 mm maximum deviation.
- Demonstrated reconstruction of targets up to 17 mm deep with sub-millimeter localization accuracy (<1 mm deviation).
- Successfully localized EGFR-overexpressing GBM cells in mouse brains with approximately 1 mm accuracy, effectively eliminating excitation light leakage and autofluorescence.
Conclusions:
- Developed a compact FT system integrated with a small animal irradiator, achieving sub-millimeter localization accuracy in phantom and in vivo models.
- The system's precision, flexibility, and compatibility make it a valuable tool for advancing functional imaging-guided pre-clinical radiation research.
