Translational Imaging Techniques in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Models

Translational imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models encompasses a spectrum of methodologies designed to bridge preclinical findings with clinical practice. Key approaches involve the use of animal models—most commonly rabbits bearing VX2 tumours or rodents with orthotopic N1-S1 hepatomas—paired with advanced imaging modalities. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and catheter-based perfusion imaging enable non-invasive characterisation of tumour vascularity, extracellular matrix composition and treatment response. Molecular MRI probes targeting components such as elastin permit sensitive detection of microenvironmental changes, while dynamic imaging techniques assess perfusion kinetics following ablative therapies or vascular disrupting agents. Collectively, these techniques provide quantitative biomarkers of tumour viability, guide interventional procedures and refine therapeutic dosing, thus expediting the translation of novel agents and devices into patient care.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated minimally invasive creation and characterisation of rabbit liver tumour models and the application of specialised MRI probes to visualise the tumour microenvironment. In one investigation, percutaneous CT-guided implantation of VX2 tumour cells into the spleen achieved high induction rates of liver metastases in rabbits, with comparable success and shorter operating times to open surgery. Post-implantation MRI enabled early confirmation of tumour growth and precise mapping of lesion morphology. In a second study, an elastin-specific molecular MRI probe was applied to rabbits bearing VX2 hepatic tumours. Delayed‐phase T1‐weighted imaging with this probe yielded enhanced contrast at tumour margins and peritumoral stroma, correlating strongly with ex vivo histopathology and gadolinium quantification. These findings underscore the value of targeted MRI agents for delineating extracellular matrix alterations in HCC models.

Translational Imaging Techniques in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Models publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in translational imaging techniques in hepatocellular carcinoma models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Orthotopic model: An animal model in which tumour cells are implanted into the anatomically corresponding organ, replicating native tumour microenvironments.

VX2 tumour: A transplantable rabbit carcinoma strain commonly used for preclinical liver cancer studies.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI): A technique that acquires serial images after intravenous injection of contrast agent to quantify tissue perfusion and capillary permeability.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): An MRI sequence sensitive to the movement of water molecules, providing information on cellular density and necrosis.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS): Real-time ultrasound imaging following injection of microbubble contrast agents to assess vascular patterns and tissue perfusion.

Four-dimensional transcatheter intraarterial perfusion (4D TRIP) MRI: An intraarterial MRI strategy that visualises and quantifies perfusion changes over time during intraarterial contrast infusion.

Molecular MRI probe: A targeted contrast agent that binds specific molecular targets—such as elastin fibres—to enhance imaging of microstructural or biochemical features.

References

1. Syngeneic N1-S1 Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Sprague Dawley Rat for the Development of Interventional Oncology-Based Immunotherapy: Survival Assay and Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancers (2023).
2. Establishment of a rabbit liver metastasis model by percutaneous puncture of the spleen and implantation of the VX2 tumor strain under CT guidance. Scientific Reports (2023).
3. Assessment of the hepatic tumor extracellular matrix using elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental rabbit cancer model. Scientific Reports (2020).
4. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Noninvasive Evaluation of Vascular Disrupting Treatment on Rabbit Liver Tumors. PLOS ONE (2013).
5. Early Identification of Residual Tumors following Microwave Ablation Using Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in a Rabbit VX2 Liver Cancer Model. BioMed Research International (2020).
6. Four‐dimensional transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI monitoring of radiofrequency ablation of rabbit VX2 liver tumors. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (2011).