Feasibility of in vivo longitudinal micro-CT studies

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Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has rapidly become an important laboratory tool for studies of human disease in rodent models.  Like computed tomography (CT) scans performed in radiology departments on human subjects, micro-CT scanners use x-ray images acquired at different angles around the subject to produce high quality, 3D images of the anatomy.  However, micro-CT scanners are highly specialized to provide high-resolution images of the small structures inside rodents, such as the branching airways in the lungs, or the vessels bringing oxygen and nutrients to a tumour.  One advantage of using micro-CT imaging techniques is the non-invasive nature of these techniques.  Using 3D x-ray imaging, researchers can see what is happening inside the animal.  Disease progression or how the animal is responding to treatment can be monitored by performing micro-CT scans at specified timepoints and analysing the images to diagnose the disease, monitor its spread or determine how well the treatment is performing.  During micro-CT imaging sessions, the subjects are exposed to x-ray radiation, which is commonly used in radiation therapy to treat cancer.  The goal of this research is to study the imaging technique to determine if there are interactions between the x-ray radiation received during imaging and the disease model under investigation for longitudinal imaging studies.  In particular, I aim to optimize the imaging techniques to ensure that the radiation received will not cause additional disease or complications that may compromise the health of the animals, and the results of the study.  I also aim to ensure that in cancer models, the radiation received during the imaging sessions is not inadvertently treating the tumours, and potentially causing the researchers to wrongly attribute the reduction in tumours to a new treatment that is being tested.This research will provide insight into the physics governing the interactions between the radiation received during x-ray imaging and tissue, and aims to provide a guideline outlining the optimal imaging parameters for longitudinal micro-CT studies.