Absorption edge subtraction imaging for volumetric measurement in an animal model of malignant brain tumor

The goal of this project is to determine the feasibility of utilizing colloidal gold as a marker for C6 glioblastoma cells implanted into rat brain as an appropriate model for volumetric measurements of tumors using absorption edge subtraction (AES). Phase sensitive X-ray imaging is combined with KES to give good soft tissue contrast. Current methods for volumetric measurements of implanted C6 glioblastoma tumors in rat brains using MRI technology are inadequate due to the small size of the tumor (2.5-4 mm in diameter) and the thickness of the MRI slice (1-1.5 mm). Previously, our group has shown that AES detection of colloidal gold labeled C6 glioblastoma cells implanted into a rat brains may be feasible. The long-term goal for this project is to establish a method, which would allow the researcher to monitor the development of a tumor over time. Most importantly, this technique should allow researchers to accurately determine the potency of a treatment on the size and growth rate for a C6 implanted tumors. In addition, we plan to challenge the hypothesis that tumors of the glioma type do not metastasize outside of the brain. A sensitive technique for the detection of C6 cells, such as that using colloidal gold and AES/DEI, should enable researchers to detect C6 cells, which have metastasized and migrated to different areas of the body. The ability to detect implanted C6 cells followed by the development of the tumor, the possible migration of the cells and the ability to accurately measure the effects of treatments on the volume of the tumor would be of the utmost importance to brain tumor research.