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The TumorImager™is a revolutionary device designed to accurately and efficiently measure the size of subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in mice and rats. It is capable of measuring the volume of multiple, irregular and even necrotic tumors.
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The users can also
save scanned tumor images for further analysis.
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With the
accompanying computer program, the TumorManagerTM, researchers can acquire tumor data, tabulate and display
results, perform statistical analysis on the results, and effectively
export them to many common formats with ease of use.
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Unlike a caliper,
it is a noninvasive device; it does not touch the animal.
The sensor head
can be separated from the controller body and be placed in the laboratory
hood for easy access (the head can be sterilized). The sensor head can
also be adjusted in various ways to accommodate a comfortable position
for taking measurements. |
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The
working principle
The TumorImager™ is an image acquisition and processing system; basically a
3D scanner. It utilizes a specific laser camera system that
projects a laser line over a tumor to be measured. Once the animal is
placed within a circular opening (mask), the laser scans over and
delineates the contours of the tumor. The camera is subsequently
activated to obtain a survey of the projected line, creating a point
cloud of data points representing the x, y, and z coordinates of the
tumor surface area. The z-axis information is obtained from the
triangulation of the data points. The patented algorithms first amass and
organize all data points acquired from the tumor, and then calculate the
volume. The working principle is shown below.
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Since it does not assume
a predefined shape as in the case of caliper based measurements, the TumorImager™ can measure the volume
of not only any irregular shaped tumors, but also that of necrotic
tumors. Since a large number of tumors develop into necrotic tumors
towards the end of a model study, this capability is extremely
significant. In some cases, 30% of animals grow necrotic tumors.
The volume of such tumors cannot be measured using calipers. The TumorImager™,
on the other hand, can produce the necrotic tumor topology
and calculate the correct volume accurately.
Please see the paper "A Structured Light-based System for Scanning Subcutaneous Tumors in Laboratory Animals by I. C. Girit et al, Comparative Medicine, Vol 58, No 3 , p264-270" for futrher information.
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The measurement process
From the point of
researchers who make many tumor measurements, the measurement procedure
with this new device is not complicated; in fact it is a lot easier than
measurements with calipers. Step by step the measuring process is as
given below:
1.
User picks up an
animal from a cage and brings it under the circular mask attached to the
scanner head.
2.
User than places
the animal under this mask in such a way that the tumor is within the
circular opening and facing toward the scanner.
3.
Then user clicks
on a button of a computer program on the screen.
4.
The scanner
projects a laser line before the mask and starts scanning the line along
the tumor. This process takes about 2-3 seconds.
5.
The segmented
tumor image together with the volume value is displayed on the program
screen.
This whole process
takes shorter time than to make caliper based measurements. |
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Samples of tumors studied
Many types of tumor
models have been studied. Some examples are shown below.
Limitations
of device
TumorImager™ can only measure
subcutaneous tumors less than approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. Device
has been tested only on nude mice. Measurements of tumors with hair wetted with alcohol have not been validated at this time.
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Program
Specifications:
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Measurement range, x axis |
41 mm |
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Start of measurement range along x axis |
2.5 mm (before the mask) |
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End of measurement range along x axis |
37.5 mm (after the mask) |
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Camera working distance |
100 mm |
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Maximum tumor size along x-y |
25 mm |
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Maximum tumor height |
20 mm |
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Tumor scan time |
~3 s |
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Resolution, z axis |
0.04% (10 µm) |
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Linearity, z axis (±3 sigma) |
0.2% (50 µm) |
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Light source |
Laser diode 655 nm, 15 mW
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Laser class |
Class 2M |
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Computer Interface |
Firewire and USB 2.0 |
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Interface cable length |
Up to 6ft |
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Measurement range, y axis |
35 mm |
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Measurement range, x axis |
41 mm |
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System Requirements:
- TumorManager™ program
- Intel® Pentium® Core Duo® or better 32 bit processor
- Microsoft® Windows
XP SP3, Vista SP2 or Windows 7
- Minimum 2GB of RAM and 250MB of available hard-disk space for program installation
- Minimum 1,280x1,024 monitor resolution with 32-bit video card
with OpenGL capability
- Internet or phone connection required for product activation, remote diagnostics and support
- 1 USB and 1 Firewire port for the TumorImager™ and extra USB ports for balance, caliper and RFID readers
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