Imaging
IN VIVO PRECLINICAL IMAGING
an essential tool in translational research By Dr John Comley
In vivo imaging of small animals (mainly mice) is increasingly being deployed across the drug development process, particularly in the oncology/cancer therapeutic area. One of the main applications is monitoring the treatment response for early indications of efficacy. The most used imaging modalities are currently optical (bioluminescence and fluorescence), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Single modality imaging predominates, with multi-modality currently accessed mainly through co- registration with other imaging modes. The most used imaging combination today is PET+CT (x-ray computed tomography). In vivo imaging is expected to have greatest impact in drug development through monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response in longitudinal studies. Bioluminescent markers/reporters (eg luciferins, proluciferins) and PET Tracers (eg Fluorine-18 based) were the most used reagents in imaging studies. Maximising the depth of tissue penetration is perceived as the main limitation associated with optical imaging. From vendor updates it is possible to make some general observations: more compact benchtop imaging systems are being developed to promote accessibility; multi-modality imaging combinations are increasingly being offered: higher spatial resolution imaging is expected to be realised on new imagers: a broader range of imaging and contrasting reagents is under development; imaging systems are heavily reliant on advanced software systems and algorithms for reconstruction of the 3D image and co-registration of multiple imaging modalities; and finally the industry as a whole appears to be focusing on translational research applications. In summary, in vivo preclinical imaging is poised to rapidly advance, such that the specification and capabilities of small animal imagers will soon exceed their clinical counterparts.
58 Drug Discovery World Summer 2011
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