Preclinical In Vivo Imaging

A growing portfolio of luciferase-tagged tumor models optimized for use in the preclinical in vivo imaging platform
Leverage non-invasive bioluminescence imaging to measure tumor burden in real-time, including systemic disease models
Enables the visualization of metastasis and micro-metastasis, to assess the impact of therapeutic agents on metastatic processes

Obtain brighter and sharper images for accurate and reproducible data
Confocal imaging with deep tissue penetration, ideal to better quantitate cell death and immune cell infiltration in 3D assays
Flexible and fast imaging analysis to support your preclinical oncology research

Preclinical in vivo imaging involves non-invasive techniques used to study biological processes in live animal models, such as mice and rats, before advancing to human clinical trials. This imaging approach is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms, assessing drug efficacy, and monitoring treatment responses in a controlled laboratory environment.

Champions Oncology has integrated preclinical in vivo imaging into its advanced research platforms to enhance the study of oncology disease progression in systemic tumor models. By utilizing bioluminescence imaging (BLI), researchers can non-invasively track and measure tumor burden in real-time throughout an in-life study. Champions has optimized several luciferase-tagged tumor models within this platform, enabling precise detection and monitoring of tumor growth to evaluate therapeutic efficacy effectively.

What is in vivo imaging and how is it used in preclinical studies?

In vivo imaging is a non-invasive or minimally invasive technique that enables real-time visualization of biological processes within a living organism. It allows researchers to monitor disease progression, assess drug efficacy, and track cellular or molecular changes over time without the need for sacrificing the subject. In preclinical cancer research, preclinical in vivo imaging technology serves as a powerful tool for studying tumor biology and therapeutic responses in animal models like mice and rats. By providing quantitative, real-time insights into cancer progression and treatment effects, in vivo imaging enhances study precision while reducing animal usage through longitudinal assessments.

What are the advantages of using in vivo imaging over traditional methods?

Key Applications in Preclinical Cancer Studies

Tumor Growth & Metastasis Monitoring - Tracks tumor development over time in orthotopic (organ-specific) and systemic models and can help detect and quantify metastasis non-invasively.

Therapeutic Efficacy Assessment - Evaluates drug response, including tumor regression and relapse, and can measure treatment-induced changes in tumor size, metabolism, and molecular markers.

Pharmacokinetics & Drug Distribution - Analyzes how anti-cancer drugs distribute, metabolize, and clear within the body, and also helps optimize dosing and therapeutic windows.

Tumor Microenvironment & Immune Response - Visualizes immune cell infiltration and tumor-immune interactions and can study the impact of immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies.

Angiogenesis and Hypoxia Studies - Assessing tumor blood vessel formation and oxygenation status can help researchers investigate anti-angiogenic therapies targeting tumor vasculature.

What imaging modalities are commonly used in preclinical research?

Common In Vivo Imaging Modalities in Preclinical Cancer Research

Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI) – Uses light-emitting luciferase-tagged cancer cells to monitor tumor growth and metastasis.
Fluorescence Imaging (FLI) – Tracks labeled cancer cells, immune cells, or drug molecules.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – Detects metabolic activity in tumors using radiolabeled tracers (e.g., FDG for glucose metabolism).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Provides high-resolution images of tumor anatomy and vascularization.
Computed Tomography (CT) – Generates detailed 3D tumor imaging, often combined with PET for anatomical context.
Ultrasound – Visualizes tumor growth and blood flow in real time.

How does bioluminescence imaging work in live animals?

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a non-invasive optical imaging technique used to visualize and track biological processes in live animals. It relies on the emission of light from cells or tissues engineered to express luciferase, an enzyme that produces light when it reacts with its substrate (e.g., luciferin).

Propagation and in vitro characterization of luciferase-tagged cell lines
Systemic or orthotopic implantation into a live animal, such as mice or rat
Conduct pilot studies to study tumor growth kinetics
Monitor tumor growth by longitudinal imaging using IVIS
Design efficacy study testing various treatment modalities
Analysis using IVIS imaging software

Cutting-edge preclinical imaging services to assess the effectiveness of your cancer therapeutics, monitor disease progression, and study cancer metastasis

Champions' unrivaled Preclinical In Vivo Imaging Services

Ex Vivo High Content Imaging

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