Real-time Non-invasive Spectral Imaging of Orthotopic Red Fluorescent Protein-expressing Lung Tumor Growth in Nude Mice

Abstract

Background/aim: Orthotopic implantation of cancer allows metastasis to occur. The most patient-like metastatic orthotopic models are developed with surgical orthotopic implantation using intact tissue in order to preserve the natural tissue structure of the tumor which contains both cancer cells and stroma.

Materials and methods: In the present study, we performed a simple thoracotomy by making an intercostal incision between the fourth and fifth ribs on the left side of the chest of nude mice. Lung tumor fragments expressing red fluorescent protein were then implanted on the left lung.

Results: It was possible to monitor tumor formation in the lung non-invasively by spectral imaging using the Maestro system with a liquid tunable filter. The model described here has high tumorigenicity in the lung (100%) and a low mortality rate (5%).

Conclusion: This imageable nude mouse model using surgical orthotopic implantation of lung cancer will be useful for all types of longitudinal studies.

Keywords: Lung cancer; high tumor take rates; noninvasive imaging; nude mice; spectral separation; surgical orthotopic implantation.