Non-Invasive Imaging Modalities in Intravesical Murine Models of Bladder Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Bladder cancer (BCa) requires the investigation of alternative therapies. Prior to clinical testing, researchers require the use of animal models to thoroughly investigate their therapeutic efficacy. To appropriately mimic cancer response, the cancer must be developed and treated within the relevant organ. This creates an obstacle with BCa, as cancer presence and progression are difficult to evaluate due to its location. Therefore, non-invasive techniques have been developed that allow for visualization of the cancer from outside the bladder. These techniques include bioluminescence imaging (BLI), micro-ultrasound imaging (MUI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). This paper reviews these imaging techniques when used independently or in conjunction in an animal model where BCa is developed within the bladder. ABSTRACT: Bladder cancer (BCa) is the sixth most prevalent cancer in men and seventeenth most prevalent cancer in women worldwide. Current treatment paradigms have limited therapeutic impact, suggesting an urgent need for the investigation of novel therapies. To best emulate the progression of human BCa, a pre-clinical intravesical murine model is required in conjunction with existing non-invasive imaging modalities to detect and evaluate cancer progression. Non-invasive imaging modalities reduce the number of required experimental models while allowing for longitudinal studies of novel therapies to investigate long-term efficacy. In this review, we discuss the individual and multi-modal use of non-invasive imaging modalities; bioluminescence imaging (BLI), micro-ultrasound imaging (MUI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) in BCa evaluation. We also provide an update on the potential and the future directions of imaging modalities in relation to intravesical murine models of BCa.