Dual-Modality Bioluminescence and Ultrasound 3D 360-Degree Imaging System for Small Animal Tumor Imaging Using Homemade Transducers

The development of a dual-modality bioluminescence/ultrasound imaging system marks a significant advancement in preclinical research, particularly for creating accurate 3D tumor models. This system combines the long-term tumor tracking capabilities of bioluminescence imaging with the soft tissue examination strengths of ultrasound imaging. Its effectiveness in delineating tumor boundaries makes it an invaluable tool in oncology and related medical fields, enhancing our understanding of tissue structures and anomalies. The homemade 7.8 MHz ultrasound transducers were used to obtain structural images of nude mice, while an EMCCD camera captured functional bioluminescence images. This combination allowed for the reconstruction of 3D bioluminescence emissions, effectively integrating 3D bioluminescence tomography with 3D ultrasound. This dual-modality approach resulted in highly accurate tumor localization and morphology details, as indicated by a high DICE coefficient of 88.5% and minimal localization error of 0.4 mm. This demonstrates the system's capability in precise tumor mapping.