Neutron imaging: Detection of cancer using animal model

Imaging modalities for cancer detection include X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and optical imaging. Each imaging technology has advantages and disadvantages with limitations either in spatial resolution or sensitivity for cancer detection. Hydrogen nuclei scatter cold neutrons stronger than any other atomic nuclei; therefore hydrogen is a primary contributor to neutron contrast in biological specimens. Neutron imaging for cancer research is an emerging and highly innovative tool that has been intensively exploring over the past three years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Spontaneous cancers in companion animals offer unique models for human cancer biology. We have demonstrated the uniqueness of neutron radiography to objectively detect tumors from surrounding normal lung tissues at an unprecedented spatial resolution of approximately 100 μm. The neutron images of cancer were correlated and matched with histology data. Neutron imaging has the potential to non-destructively provide complementary information about the structure of cancers in biospecimens.