DCE-MRI in assessment of tumor hypoxia, radiation response, and metastatic potential
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Hypoxia in tumors has been found to decrease the effectiveness of cancer treatment; in particular, it can diminish the effect of radiation therapy. Furthermore, hypoxia has been associated with malignant progression and metastatic disease. Patients with hypoxic tumors may thus benefit from a more aggressive treatment. A noninvasive diagnostic method for detecting these tumors is therefore urgently needed. In this thesis, the potential usefulness of dynamic Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI for assessing tumor hypoxia, radiation response, and metastatic potential has been evaluated preclinically. The DCE-MRI series were analyzed by using one of the most widely known pharmacokinetic models, the generalized kinetic model of Tofts. Human melanoma xenografts and cervical carcinoma xenografts were used as tumor models in the study. The DCE-MRI-derived parameters Ktrans and νe values were shown to be able to distinguish between tumors with and without hypoxia, as well as to give information about the extent of tumor hypoxia. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that Ktrans is able to predict radiation response. Finally, both Ktrans and νe showed the ability to predict metastatic potential. In conclusion, this preclinical study demonstrates the potential of the DCE-MRI-derived parameters Ktrans and νe as predictive markers, warranting further clinical studies.
Author: Kirsti Marie Øvrebø
Language: English
Topic: MRI in cancer diagnosis
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2196191728