The purpose of this ongoing project is to demonstrate that contrast-enhanced ultrasonographyis a novel imaging tecnique that offers a non-invasive, real-time and high resolution imaging of tumor progression and microvasculature. The objectiveis alsoto demonstrate that, by using various imaging modalities, it is possible to monitor the progression ofcancer in an orthotopic animal model and to analyze objectively the effectiveness of new therapeutic drugs and regimens.

Twenty nude mice received an injection subcutaneously of kidney human tumour cells (SN12C). These mice were subdivided in five groups of treatments of four animals each: Group A (Curcumina), Group B (EGCG), Group C (Curcumin+EGCG), Group D (sunitinib), Group E (Placebo). The tumour growth and progression was monitored on the 15th, 30th, and 60th day from the beginning of the treatment with administration of microbubbles Contrast-Enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), power-doppler (PD). Mice were sacrificed on the 60th day. Histological examination was the reference standard. TheUSsystem employed...

Tumor growth was monitored in mice with a superficial trasducer of 30–70 MHz also in power Doppler mode and with trasducer of 9-18 MHz for non linear contrast, in order to assess the microvasculature in the tumor mass. We made a comparison in all groups of treatment. We then analysed wash-in and destruction sequence quantification parameters for each group and correlated the results with the histologic findings. Contrast-enhancement technique, revealed a different vascularization of the tumor during the therapy in the different groups. The images...

Our preliminary results suggest that sensitivity of Contrast-Enhanced UltraSonography is higher than power-doppler . Contrast-Enhanced UltraSonography can be considered an effective method for in vivo monitoring tumour growth and treatment response.

1) Contrast-enhanced US of microcirculation of superficially implanted tumors in rats. Chomas JE, Pollard RE, Sadlowski AR, Griffey SM, Wisner ER, Ferrara KW. Radiology2003 Nov;229(2):439-46. 2) Noninvasive contrast-enhanced US quantitative assessment of tumor microcirculation in a murine model: effect of discontinuing anti-VEGF therapy.Guibal A, Taillade L, Mulé S, Comperat E, Badachi Y, Golmard JL, Le Guillou-Buffello D, Rixe O, Bridal SL, Lucidarme O.Radiology. 2010 Feb;254(2):420-9. 3) Angiogenesis: noninvasive quantitative assessment with contrast-enhanced functional US in murine model.Lucidarme O, Kono Y, Corbeil J, Choi SH, Golmard...

A. Barbieri, D. Rea, C.Arra, Biologist of Depatment of Animal Experimentation, National Cancer Institute Fondazione G.Pascale, Naples, Italy Barretta Maria Luisa, O. Fabozzi, C. PICONE, A. Barbieri, M. Mattace Raso, E. de Lutio di Castelguidone, C. Arra, A. Gallipoli D'Errico, Radiologisti of the Department of Radiology, National Cancer Institute Fondazione G.Pascale, Naples, Italy