Development and Characterization of a Novel Preclinical Brain Tumor Model Through Intracranial Implantation of U87 Human Xenograft in an Immunodeficient Transgenic Rat and Use of Multiparametric Multi-Modality In Vivo Imaging

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis despite aggressive surgery and radiochemotherapy options. The current standard of care treatment fails the vast majority of patients because of the highly resistant and infiltrative nature of GBM. Therefore, preclinical research is vital for developing novel therapies that cannot yet be tested in humans. In addition, brain tumor imaging is complex and new diagnostic imaging approaches are needed to distinguish tumor from treatment related non-tumor changes. To address these challenges, the goal of this research project was to develop a novel preclinical brain tumor model using a recently developed immunodeficient transgenic rat intracranially implanted with human glioblastoma cells. Full model characterization would eventually include clinical, imaging, and histologic validation and optimization. The rat GBM model would be the first of its kind offering important advantages for development of novel therapies assessed in vivo with hybrid positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).

Supervisor: Michael Veronesi, MD, Ph.D
Department: Radiology