Spatial normalization and region definition in small animal brain PET based on PET, CT or MR -- Preclinical multimodality imaging and image fusion in cardiovascular disease -- MRI and CT-guided small animal radiotherapy in an orthotopic brain tumor model -- Stem cell tracking using multimodal contrast agents -- Dual modality SPECT/CT imaging techniques for evaluating biological radiotracers in mice -- Multimodality preclinical imaging in the development of therapeutics for inflammatory diseases -- Investigation of drug-drug interaction using PET/MRI -- Influence of animal handling and standardization on multi-modality imaging -- Instrumentation challenges in (S)PE(C)T systems -- Small animal imaging in oncology drug development -- Optoacoustic mesoscopic imaging of disease models -- Multi-modal preclinical imaging in oncology.

This book provides an accessible and comprehensive overview of the state of the art in multimodal, multiparametric preclinical imaging, covering all the modalities used in preclinical research. The role of different combinations of PET, CT, MR, optical, and optoacoustic imaging methods is examined and explained for a range of applications, from research in oncology, neurology, and cardiology to drug development. Examples of animal studies are highlighted in which multimodal imaging has been pivotal in delivering otherwise unobtainable information. Hardware and software image registration methods and animal-specific factors are also discussed. The readily understandable text is enhanced by numerous informative illustrations that help the reader to appreciate the similarities to, but also the differences from, clinical applications. Image Fusion in Preclinical Applications will be of interest to all who wish to learn more about the use of multimodal/multiparametric imaging as a tool for in vivo investigations in preclinical medical and pharmaceutical research.