Trends in PET/CT Imaging for Small Animal Studies
Small Animal Imaging using PET/CT has become a vital tool for evaluating disease biology, metabolic activity, and drug distribution in preclinical research. PET/CT combines functional imaging from positron emission tomography with anatomical imaging from computed tomography, offering a detailed view of physiological and structural changes in small animals.
Recent trends in PET/CT imaging focus on improving resolution, sensitivity, and throughput. Innovations such as advanced detector materials, optimized acquisition protocols, and motion correction algorithms have enhanced the clarity of PET images in small rodents. These improvements allow researchers to detect minute lesions, quantify metabolic activity, and monitor disease progression with precision.
Radiotracers have also evolved, enabling targeted imaging of specific proteins, receptors, and cellular pathways. For example, tracers designed for oncology studies can selectively highlight tumor cells, while others monitor inflammation, neuronal activity, or cardiovascular health. Multiplexing radiotracers in a single scan is an emerging trend that provides comprehensive molecular information in a single imaging session.
Integration with AI and advanced analytics is further enhancing PET/CT studies. AI-based image reconstruction, segmentation, and quantitative analysis reduce noise, improve reproducibility, and allow high-throughput screening of compounds. Additionally, hybrid PET/MRI systems are gaining attention for combining high-resolution soft tissue imaging with functional PET data.
The widespread adoption of PET/CT imaging in preclinical research is transforming drug development, enabling researchers to make data-driven decisions earlier in the pipeline. This trend not only improves efficiency but also reduces the number of animals needed by maximizing the information extracted from each study.