High-Resolution Ultrasonography for the Analysis of Orthotopic ATC Tumors in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model
October 11th, 2022
The present protocol describes high-frequency ultrasonography for visualizing the entire mouse thyroid gland and monitoring the growth of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
This protocol helps users to utilize high-resolution ultrasonography to scan, monitor, and measure tumors in the mouse model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography has been proven reliable in mice for imaging tissues that occupy similar body locations as human tissues, including the liver, thyroid, and fetus. To begin, turn on the ultrasonography system, and create a new folder for capturing the images and collecting data.
Then, select the 40-megahertz line probe, click on superficial tissue pattern to activate the superficial tissue transducer, and use the resultant B mode for thyroid imaging. Clean the animal imaging platform, and switch on the heating button for the platform temperature to reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius before placing the animal on it. Anesthetize the mouse, and place it on the heated platform.
Cover the snout with a nose cone connected to the anesthesia outlet. Then, with the mouse in a supine position, use adhesive tape to fix its limbs to the heated platform. For tumor imaging, adjust the imaging system to optimize the resolution.
Set the two-dimensional gain to 25 to 30 decibels, image depth to 10 millimeters, and center to three to six millimeters. After setting the parameters, liberally apply ultrasound gel to the area of bare skin achieved by using a depilatory cream. Holding the probe, place it into contact with the ultrasound gel on the chest.
Then, scan from the chest toward the neck to locate the thyroid. Identify the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma tumors from the trachea and strap muscles depending on the anatomical location and ultrasound echo. Based on the impression of the total tumor, confirm the image section with the largest left-to-right tumor diameter.
Then, press the freeze button, and measure the anteroposterior and left-to-right tumor diameters using the ultrasound caliper. After completing the scans, wipe the ultrasound gel, and remove the restraining tape from the animal's limbs. The ATC tumor size of the right and left lobes were measured over four time intervals.
On the fourth measurement, the average right ATC size had grown to 11.844 square millimeters, while the tumor size of the left lobe had grown to 9.280 square millimeters, making the total an average size increase to 15.843 square millimeters. Interestingly, in the mouse labeled P92, the tumor size had grown to almost four times larger than the size on the initial measurement. The main advantage of this technique is that ultrasound is flexible and can be performed in real time without any radiation.
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Overview
This protocol describes the use of high-frequency ultrasonography to visualize the entire mouse thyroid gland and monitor the growth of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. It provides a reliable method for imaging tissues in mouse models that are analogous to human tissues.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Imaging Techniques
Background
- Ultrasonography is effective for imaging various tissues in mice.
- It is particularly useful for monitoring tumors in preclinical models.
- The thyroid gland can be visualized similarly to human anatomy.
- This technique allows for real-time monitoring of tumor growth.
Purpose of Study
- To provide a detailed protocol for using ultrasonography in mice.
- To facilitate the monitoring of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- To enhance the understanding of tumor dynamics in a controlled environment.
Methods Used
- Utilization of a 40-megahertz line probe for imaging.
- Activation of the superficial tissue transducer for thyroid imaging.
- Preparation of the imaging platform with controlled temperature.
- Anesthesia of the mouse prior to imaging.
Main Results
- Successful visualization of the thyroid gland in mice.
- Effective monitoring of tumor growth in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- Demonstration of the reliability of ultrasonography in preclinical studies.
- Establishment of a protocol for future research applications.
Conclusions
- High-frequency ultrasonography is a valuable tool for cancer research.
- This method can improve the understanding of thyroid tumors.
- It provides a non-invasive approach to monitor tumor progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
High-resolution ultrasonography enables noninvasive, real-time quantification of orthotopic tumor growth in genetically engineered mouse models of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). This imaging capability supports dynamic monitoring of tumor progression, providing critical data for target validation and preclinical assessment of therapeutic interventions. The approach enhances predictive confidence at the discovery-to-preclinical inflection point, supporting risk-adjusted portfolio decisions in oncology R&D.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Enables longitudinal measurement of tumor initiation and progression in disease-relevant models.
- Supports functional validation of genetic drivers and therapeutic hypotheses in vivo.
- Provides quantitative data for mechanistic de-risking and target confidence.
Screening & Assay Development
- Facilitates preparation of validated animal models for compound efficacy studies.
- Delivers reproducible, quantitative tumor size measurements for assay standardization.
- Enables scalable, repeated imaging for screening readiness and platform reuse.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Aligns preclinical tumor growth dynamics with human disease progression for translational relevance.
- Supports continuity from genetic model validation through therapeutic efficacy assessment.
- Provides risk-adjusted data to inform advancement decisions in oncology pipelines.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
High-resolution ultrasonography integrates into the oncology discovery continuum from early target validation through preclinical efficacy studies, enabling dynamic, quantitative tumor monitoring in genetically engineered mouse models.
- Discovery Biology: Supports hypothesis testing and pathway clarification by enabling in vivo tumor growth tracking.
- Screening: Provides reproducible, quantitative outputs for compound evaluation in validated models.
- Analytics: Delivers precise tumor size measurements and growth curves for comparative analysis.
- Translational Research: Bridges discovery and preclinical phases by modeling disease-relevant tumor progression.
- Enterprise Reuse: Establishes a reusable imaging platform for diverse oncology model systems.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Increases predictive confidence and reduces mechanistic ambiguity in tumor biology studies.
- Operational Value: Standardizes imaging workflows and enables high-frequency, noninvasive monitoring.
- Strategic Value: Improves go/no-go decision quality and capital efficiency in oncology portfolios.
- Portfolio Impact: Supports risk-adjusted prioritization and advancement of therapeutic candidates.
Implementation Considerations
- Requires expertise in murine anatomy and ultrasonographic imaging techniques.
- Needs access to high-frequency ultrasound instrumentation and image analysis tools.
- Demands cross-team standardization of imaging parameters and measurement protocols.
- May require adaptation for different tumor locations or genetic backgrounds.
- Operator skill and anatomical knowledge are critical for reproducible results.
