Characterization of a Syngeneic Orthotopic Model of Cholangiocarcinoma by [ 18 F]FDG-PET/MRI.

Simple Summary: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of liver cancer with few treatment options and low survival rates in advanced stages. Our study developed a mouse model to study this cancer type by implanting CCA cells into the liver of mice. We used advanced imaging techniques (MRI and PET scans) to monitor tumor growth and metabolism over four weeks. We observed that tumors became visible early and grew steadily over time. PET scans showed increasing tumor activity, and blood tests revealed liver damage. Most mice developed lung metastases after four weeks. Our research shows that combining MRI and PET scans effectively tracks CCA progression in mice, providing valuable insights into cancer development and investigating potential treatments. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of primary liver cancer originating from the biliary tract epithelium, characterized by limited treatment options for advanced cases and low survival rates. This study aimed to establish an orthotopic mouse model for CCA and monitor tumor growth using PET/MR imaging. Murine CCA cells were implanted into the liver lobe of male C57BL/6J mice. The imaging groups included contrast-enhanced (CE) MR, CE-MR with static [18F]FDG-PET, and dynamic [18F]FDG-PET. Tumor volume and FDG uptake were measured weekly over four weeks. Early tumor formation was visible in CE-MR images, with a gradual increase in volume over time. Dynamic FDG-PET revealed an increase in the metabolic glucose rate (MRGlu) over time. Blood analysis showed pathological changes in liver-related parameters. Lung metastases were observed in nearly all animals after four weeks. The study concludes that PET-MR imaging effectively monitors tumor progression in the CCA mouse model, providing insights into CCA development and potential treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]