Background: We compared the abilities of clinically relevant imaging modalities to quantify prostate cancer involving bone in a mouse model. Such non-invasive methods are needed pre-clinically to understand tumor biology and to evaluate therapy.
Methods: Human prostate cancer cells (MDA PCa 2b) or vehicle were injected into the right or left femur of SCID mice (n = 8). Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed 5 and 8 weeks later (n = 7). Bone scintigraphy (n = 6) was also performed at week 8. Imaging findings were compared with histology and correlated with contemporaneous serum prostate-specific antigen levels.
Results: Among the modalities evaluated, only MR imaging delineated prostate tumors involving bone. Tumor volume assessed by MR imaging correlated with PSA levels (R(2) = 0.87, P < 0.001). MR imaging of tumors corresponded with histology. Imaging of mineralized bone by CT corresponded with histology.
Conclusion: In a mouse model, prostate tumors involving bone can be quantified using MR imaging.
(c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.