Computed tomography imaging of primary lung cancer in mice using a liposomal-iodinated contrast agent

Purpose

To investigate the utility of a liposomal-iodinated nanoparticle contrast agent and computed tomography (CT) imaging for characterization of primary nodules in genetically engineered mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods

Primary lung cancers with mutations in K-ras alone (Kras^LA1) or in combination with p53 (LSL-Kras^G12D;p53^FL/FL) were generated. A liposomal-iodine contrast agent containing 120 mg Iodine/mL was administered systemically at a dose of 16 µl/gm body weight. Longitudinal micro-CT imaging with cardio-respiratory gating was performed pre-contrast and at 0 hr, day 3, and day 7 post-contrast administration. CT-derived nodule sizes were used to assess tumor growth. Signal attenuation was measured in individual nodules to study dynamic enhancement of lung nodules.

Results

A good correlation was seen between volume and diameter-based assessment of nodules (R²>0.8) for both lung cancer models. The LSL-Kras^G12D;p53^FL/FL model showed rapid growth as demonstrated by systemically higher volume changes compared to the lung nodules in Kras^LA1 mice (p<0.05). Early phase imaging using the nanoparticle contrast agent enabled visualization of nodule blood supply. Delayed-phase imaging demonstrated significant differential signal enhancement in the lung nodules of LSL-Kras^G12D;p53^FL/FL mice compared to nodules in Kras^LA1 mice (p<0.05) indicating higher uptake and accumulation of the nanoparticle contrast agent in rapidly growing nodules.

Conclusions

The nanoparticle iodinated contrast agent enabled visualization of blood supply to the nodules during the early-phase imaging. Delayed-phase imaging enabled characterization of slow growing and rapidly growing nodules based on signal enhancement. The use of this agent could facilitate early detection and diagnosis of pulmonary lesions as well as have implications on treatment response and monitoring.