Multi-modal Imaging of Angiogenesis in a Nude Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volumetric Computed Tomography and Ultrasound

This experiment uses complimentary imaging techniques to non-invasively assess angiogenesis in a rat model of breast cancer. Bone metastasis first inject human breast cancer cells into the superficial epigastric artery to induce site-specific osteolytic bone metastases at the hind leg of nude rats. After 25 to 30 days, prepare the animal for imaging analysis and acquire data by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasound scanning.

Next, use the complementary morphological and functional data from these imaging modalities to describe different aspects of vascularization in osteolytic lesions. Results obtained include macro vessel architecture, local blood volume, perfusion, and permeability, as well as real-time imaging of the vascularization in bone metastases. These methods can help to answer key questions on the role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of bone metastasis, and that has implications on imaging and treatment of malignant osseous lesions.