New imaging platform tracks cancer progression

A new rapid fluorescent 3-D imaging system developed by UCL and Imperial College London scientists offers a non-invasive approach to accurately monitor tumour development in adult zebrafish. Animal testing is an essential step in developing new drugs for diseases; however, the process usually involves invasive procedures with animals that must be euthanized. The new method, adapted from an imaging method called optical projection tomography (OPT), repeatedly images the same organisms, reducing the number of animals used in testing. The MRC-funded scientists can now image and measure the growth of cancerous tumours and the associated development of growth-enabling blood vessels in live zebrafish which develop cancer in a way similar to humans. UCL is a world leader in zebrafish research with the largest and most comprehensive fish facility in the UK. Dr Paul Frankel, UCL Division of Medicine, who led the cancer biology aspects of the project, said: 'Zebrafish serve as animal models of liver and other cancers, developing a form of the disease genetically similar to human tumours. This, as well as their small size, quick reproduction and transparency - which is necessary for OPT imaging - makes zebrafish an ideal organism to study using this technique.' Being able to track the stages of disease progression in a living organism means the team could also use the technique to monitor the effects of new anti-cancer drugs that aim to reduce tumour size.