Real-time imaging and quantification of tumors and tracking disease progression over time
The Vevo system is a multidisciplinary cancer research tool which allows early tumor detection, quantification of tumor size in 2D and 3D and the ability to quantify vascularity and angiogenesis. Furthermore all soft tissue tumors can be visualized whether they are subcutaneous or orthotopic.
Ability to detect tumors before they are palpable:
The Vevo system allows for precise and accurate detection of early tumors. No need to use calipers any longer. The Vevo system allows for exact measurements to be recorded and for the morphology to be precisely outlined.
Monitor progression of tumor burden over time:
As a non-invasive imaging system, the Vevo system performs longitudinal studies that monitor the progression of disease in the same animal over time. Examples of tumor models include: TRAMP prostate, pancreatic ductul adenocarcinoma (KPC), mammary (4T1, 67NR), hepatocellular carcinoma and many others.
3D Visualization and Volumetric Measurement of Tumor Size and Shape:
VisualSonics 3D visualization and segmentation tool allows high-resolution 3D rendering of an area of interests at resolution down to 30 microns. The user can also apply segmentation algorithms to determine the volume of the orthotopic tumor in vivo and follow the progression or regression of tumor volume longitudinally. The 3D volumes are obtained literally in seconds!
Detection and quantification of metastasis:
Ultrasound is an excellent tool for general soft tissue imaging, therefore metastasis to organs and lymph nodes can be observed.
Identification and quantification of tumor blood flow:
Power and Color Doppler functionality allows the identification and measurement of blood flow in and around tumors. Furthermore relative tumor perfusion can also be quantified using Untargeted Vevo MicroMarker® contrast agents.
Quantification of biomarkers:
Expression of endothelial cell markers can be quantified using Target-Ready Vevo MicroMarker contrast agents.
Evaluation of antiangiogenic therapies:
The Vevo system can directly quantify tumor neovasculature. Possibilities include quantification of VEGFR2 and Integrin expression, in vivo, by utilizing Target-Ready contrast agents.
Evaluation of matrigel or collagen plugs:
Determine the physiological status in these models by examining blood flow.
Perform and visualize tumor injections:
The Integrated Rail System and Image-Guided Needle Injection System are easily mounted, prepared, and operated. Precision adjustments are easily made to ensure that the probe, the injection system, and the mouse table are all in alignment to most effectively ensure a successful procedure. The Integrated Rail System allows the precise position of a needle/syringe to be mounted and the animal to be carefully positioned on a heated table. The injection can be performed without having to perform any surgically invasive procedure; eliminating invasive surgical procedures and consequently allows for improving animal survival rates.
Easy to learn and obtain results:
The Vevo software is simple to use so that researchers can maximize their time performing post-imaging analysis. User friendly offline software is available to analyze all data. In addition, several on-line tutorials and protocols are available to allow researchers to learn quickly, analyze their data and obtain results.
3D tumor volume. Orthotopic prostate found to measure 441mm3 using the 3D visualization and segmentation tools. Tumor outlined in turquoise, bladder outlined in yellow. Image courtesy of X. Zheng Rutgers, The state University of New Jersey, 2009
Untargeted Vevo MicroMarker Contrast Agents – Visualization of perfusion in a subcutaneous hepatoma. Graph shows bolus wash-in curve for tumor; quantification preformed by the Vevo software provides values of time to peak, as well as assessments of relative blood volume.
Commonly used terminology:
tumor, angiogenesis, radiology, VEGF, VEGFR2, matrigel, collagen plug, hepatoma, neuroblastoma, hepatocarcinoma, mass
