Cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables visualization of cells in vivo. This is accomplished by labeling cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Here, we describe the steps for labeling human cancer cells with iron for tracking them after injection into nude mice. We also provide details for validation of cell labeling, ultrasound guided intra-cardiac injection, and MRI.
Keywords: Cancer; Cell labeling; Cells; Dormancy; Imaging; Iron oxide; MRI; Metastasis; Methods.