A new biometric tool for three-dimensional subcutaneous tumor scanning in mice.

AIM: To propose an innovative methodology for the monitoring of the evolution of induced subcutaneous tumors in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new 3D scanner able to measure the tumor mass volume is presented. The scanner is based on the projection of a fringe pattern onto the sample surface (structured light). The lines are diffused by the sample and then collected by a digital camera. The obtained 2D-image is treated by the scanner's software that extracts the 3D information and evaluates the sample volume. RESULTS: The 3D scanner has been successfully used in the measurement of subcutaneous HT-29 colorectal cancer xenografts treated with 5-fluorouracil, bevacizumab and their combination. Comparison with simple caliper measurements revealed important and significant differences between the two measurement techniques. CONCLUSION: The proposed methodology is more effective than the usual approach based on caliper measurements.