PHOTOACOUSTIC MICROSCOPY OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN THE IN VIVO MOUSE MODEL

Abstract

Current imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), optical coherent tomography (OCT), and ultrasound have various drawbacks when applied to imaging malignant tumors and associated angiogenesis. These drawbacks range from the need to use toxic contrast agents to a lack of penetration depth and sufficient contrast. Photoacoustic microscopy improves on these techniques by utilizing optical absorption of biological components and acquiring acoustic waves from optical stimulation, yielding high contrast, while retaining high resolution and sufficient depth penetration. To address the limitations of current imaging modalities, researchers are investigating the application of photoacoustic microscopy in the early detection of malignant tumors. This thesis presents the results of applying noninvasive photoacoustic microscopy to detect and track the progression of subcutaneous melanoma tumors and melanoma tumor growth in the brain of live mice in vivo, as well as demonstrating the use of NIR-dye as a contrast agent for future use with photoacoustic tumor imaging.