TumorImager
The TumorImager™
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.
- Volume data is more accurate and precise resulting in improved statistics (better p-values) and higher sensitivity.
- It is more operator independent.
- The system does not require sedation of animals for measurement process. (Since the scanning takes ~ 1 sec, animal movement is not a concern).
- Users can also save scanned tumor images for further analysis.
- With the accompanying TumorImager™ program, researchers can acquire data, tabulate and display results, perform statistical analysis and export them to many common formats.
The sensor head can be detached from the controller base unit and placed inside a laboratory hood to maximize available space. In order to ensure optimal ergonimics for each user, the sensor head can also be adjusted in multiple axes to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury.
The working principle
The TumorImager™ is an image acquisition and processing system; basically a 3D scanner. It utilizes a laser/camera system that projects a line over the tumor being measured. Once the animal is held beneath the positioning mask the laser scans over it and the camera captures the data. It then creates a point cloud representing the x, y, and z coordinates defining the tumor surface area. The z-axis information is obtained from the triangulation of the data points. Using patented algorithms the tumor is then segmented and the volume calculated. The working principle is shown to the right.
Since it does not assume a predefined shape (as in the case of caliper based measurements), the TumorImager™ can measure the volume of any irregular shaped tumor, including necrotic tumors. Since many animals develop necrotic tumors near the end of a study, this capability can be extremely important. Accurate measurements of these types of tumors can only be made with the TumorImager™.
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 further information.
The measurement process
For users, the measurement procedure with this new device is simple; in fact it is easier than using calipers. The process is:
- Pick up an animal and position it under the circular mask attached to the scanner head so that the tumor is in the center facing toward the scanner.
- Press the scan button on the computer screen or push the foot pedal if you wish to hold the mouse with two hands.
- After the laser line scans the tumor (<1.4 secs.) the mouse can be returned to its cage.
- The segmented tumor image together with the volume value is displayed on the program screen and it is ready for the next animal
This process takes less time than making caliper measurements.
Samples of tumors studied
Many types of tumor models have been studied. Some examples are shown below.
Limitations of device
The maximum tumor size is 2.5 cm in diameter. This device has been tested on nude or recently shaved mice.
Program Specifications
| Measurement range, x axis | 41 mm |
| Start of measurement range along x axis | 2.5 mm (before the mask) |
| End of measurement range along x axis | 37.5 mm (after the mask) |
| Camera working distance | 100 mm |
| Maximum tumor size along x-y | 25 mm |
| Maximum tumor height | 20 mm |
| Tumor scan time | ~1 s |
| Resolution, z axis | 0.04% (10 µm) |
| Linearity, z axis (±3 sigma) | 0.2% (50 µm) |
| Light source | Laser diode 655 nm, 15 mW |
| Laser class | Class 2M |
| Computer Interface | Firewire and USB 2.0 |
| Interface cable length | Up to 6ft |
| Measurement range, y axis | 35 mm |
| Measurement range, x axis | 41 mm |
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