Objective To monitor the importance of establishing lung cancer models for immunological treatment through in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Methods In this study, a new optical bioluminescence IVIS was used to confirm the tumour formation and luminescence in male BALB/c nude mice by injecting A549-luc cells. First, A549-luc cells which expressed luciferase stably were transferred into nude mice by tail vein injection in order to establish a stable and reliable model of lung cancer. Then, D-fluorescein potassium salt was intraperitoneally injected every other week. The tumor formation and growth were dynamically observed on day 7th, 14th and 21st by IVIS Spectrum and pathological exam with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results Animal model of lung cancer was successfully established, and the development of lung cancer was effectively monitored by IVIS real-time fluorescence value which was consistent with pathological exam, and tumor volume was correlated with fluorescence intensity (r=0.7996, P<0.01). Conclusions IVIS has multiple benefits, including high sensitivity and specificity, simple operation, and no radiation. IVIS Spectrum can measure the fluorescence of tumor formed by injection of A549-luc cells in nude mice metastasis of lung cancer in a non-invasive, real-time and dynamic mode, which is worthy of promotion for using in clinical research.