Abstract
BackgroundSPC-c-Raf-1-BxB transgenic mice develop genetically induced disseminated lung adenocarcinoma allowing examination of carcinogenesis and evaluation of novel treatment strategies. We report on assessment of lung tumour growth kinetics using a semiautomated region growing segmentation algorithm.Methods156 non contrast-enhanced respiratory gated micro-CT of the lungs were obtained in 12 SPC-raf transgenic (n = 9) and normal (n = 3) mice at different time points. Region-growing segmentation of the aerated lung areas was obtained as an inverse surrogate for tumour burden. Time course of segmentation volumes was assessed to demonstrate the potential of the method for follow-up studies.ResultsMicro-CT allowed assessment of tumour growth kinetics and semiautomated region growing enabled quantitative analysis. Significant changes of the segmented lung volumes over time could be shown (p = 0.009). Significant group differences could be detected between transgenic and normal animals for time points 8 to 13 months (p = 0.043), when marked tumour progression occurred.ConclusionThe presented region-growing segmentation algorithm allows in-vivo quantification of multifocal lung adenocarcinoma in SPC-raf transgenic mice. This enables the assessment of tumour load and progress for the study of carcinogenesis and the evaluation of novel treatment strategies.
Highlights
surfactant protein C (SPC)-c-Raf-1-BxB transgenic mice develop genetically induced disseminated lung adenocarcinoma allowing examination of carcinogenesis and evaluation of novel treatment strategies
At the age of 12 months advanced tumour stage can be found macroscopically, affecting the entire lung [3]. This animal model allows probing for mechanisms of carcinogenesis based on a genetic cascade that plays a crucial role in the development of adenocarcinoma of the lungs in humans
In this study we report on the use of a micro-CT quantification algorithm for the longitudinal assessment of tumor progression in SPC-raf transgenic mice
Summary
SPC-c-Raf-1-BxB transgenic mice develop genetically induced disseminated lung adenocarcinoma allowing examination of carcinogenesis and evaluation of novel treatment strategies. A number of genetic animal models of lung cancer has been developed to better understand the molecular causes of this disease. We here report on longitudinal in-vivo micro-CT measurements of lung tumour in a transgenic mouse model of lung cancer. In the SPC-c-Raf-1-BB (referred to as SPC-raf) transgenic mouse model overexpression of the serine-threonine-kinase c-raf to alveolar epithelium is tumour stage can be found macroscopically, affecting the entire lung [3]. This animal model allows probing for mechanisms of carcinogenesis based on a genetic cascade that plays a crucial role in the development of adenocarcinoma of the lungs in humans. The relevance of overexpressed protooncogenes or disabled tumour suppressor genes can be studied
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
