Mouse models are an important tool in cancer research. There are few objective methods to assess tumor development in mice injected tumors. In order to assess tumor development, the tumor can be imaged using several existing modalities (CT, MRI, PET) estimating its size and location. These modalities are limited by their availability and cost. Currently, the assessment of tumor development is done manually, using mechanical callipers, which have low accuracy. Thermal imaging has some clear advantages: it is noninvasive, low-cost and enables real-time monitoring and high surface resolution. Thermal imaging of tumors was performed in several mice injected with (DA3) breast cancer carcinoma and subsequently treated by Diffused Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy treatment (DaRT). Thermal images of the tumor area of three mice were taken at intervals of a few days between measurements. We found a correlation between tumor sizes estimated by analyzing the thermal images and tumor sizes estimated by conventional methods. It was also found that the morphology of the tumor can have considerable effect on its thermal characteristics. Overall, thermography was shown to be a promising tool for assessing tumor development with the additional advantages of the ability to provide indication of biological processes such as necrosis.
