The Growing Importance and Power of Preclinical Imaging

Over the past 10-20 years, the imaging field has experienced significant advancements, in terms of both system technology, and image processing power, along with increased integration into the preclinical research space. This time period has seen the emergence and refinement of various imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), ultrasound (US), and optical imaging techniques. Taking those that are commonly employed in the clinical setting, optimizing them for use on a variety of small animal imaging modals.

One of the key trends, that has resulted in their widespread adoption in the preclinical research space, has been the enhancement of resolution and sensitivity in these imaging technologies, allowing for more detailed and functional studies at the cellular and molecular levels. For example, the development of high-frequency ultrasound has enabled detailed visualization of small animal anatomy, which is crucial for studies in developmental biology, cancer, and cardiovascular research.

Another significant advancement has been the fusion of different imaging modalities, known as multimodal imaging, which combines the strengths of each technique to provide comprehensive data to better understand the biological or pathological process of interest. For instance, PET/CT and SPECT/CT have become standard tools in oncology and neurology research, offering both metabolic and anatomical information.

The field has also seen a greater emphasis on non-invasive techniques, which are critical for longitudinal studies where the same subjects are tracked over time. This shift has improved the ethical standards of animal research and increased the reliability and reproducibility and power of experimental results.

Furthermore, the integration of imaging data with bioinformatics and advanced data analysis techniques has opened new avenues for understanding complex biological processes and disease mechanisms. This integration facilitates the translation of preclinical findings into the clinic, bridging the gap between laboratory research and patient care.

Overall, the preclinical imaging space has grown not only in terms of technological capability but also in its importance in accelerating biomedical research and development.