Detection of Primary Lung Tumors in Rodents by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This report describes recent efforts to develop and apply small animal magnetic resonance imaging methods to the study of lung tumors in mice. Magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained with respiratory gating, with data collection synchronized with the respiration of the animal, allow visualization of submillimeter tumors in animals treated with a lung carcinogen. Comparison of the MR images with gross pathology of these lungs demonstrates the utility of the imaging methods for measuring tumor burden. As a noninvasive imaging modality that uses nonionizing radiation, MR is well suited to longitudinal studies aimed at understanding the factors that control the onset and development of lung tumors and their response to therapy in a wide variety of animal models.