Efficacy of a Novel Dimeric Macrocyclic Gadolinium Chelate With High Relaxivity in Preclinical Models of Neurological and Oncological Pathologies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are crucial for enhancing MRI contrast, especially in neurological and oncological imaging. Achieving high relaxivity is a primary focus in contrast media research. Recently, digadoglucitol, the first dimeric macrocyclic gadolinium complex, was introduced, offering significantly higher relaxivity compared with first-generation commercial macrocyclic GBCAs. PURPOSE: This study assesses the performance of digadoglucitol in preclinical models of neurological and oncological diseases. It explores whether digadoglucitol provides comparable diagnostic efficacy at half the dose and superior contrast enhancement at the full standard dose compared with gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All animal experiments and preclinical procedures adhered to national and international regulations. The study involved models of glioma, meningioma, ischemia, and breast adenocarcinoma, for a total of 112 animals. Digadoglucitol was administered at doses of 0.1 mmol Gd/kg and 0.05 mmol Gd/kg, whereas gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol were given at 0.1 mmol Gd/kg. MRI sessions assessed signal enhancement and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) before and after contrast-agent administration. RESULTS: All pathologic models were accurately localized with consistent volumes across treatment groups. Tumour malignancy and ischemic lesions were confirmed by histologic analysis using standard haematoxylin-eosin staining and established pathologic criteria. Quantitative analysis revealed that both half and full doses of digadoglucitol produced significant signal enhancement and CNR in glioma, meningioma, ischemia, and breast models. The enhancement and CNR values were comparable (at half-dose) or exceeded (at full-dose) those achieved with gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these results. CONCLUSION: Digadoglucitol shows high diagnostic efficacy in preclinical models of neurological and oncological diseases. It delivers comparable effectiveness at half the dose and superior contrast enhancement at the full standard dose compared with established GBCAs. These preclinical findings suggest that digadoglucitol is a promising contrast agent to be considered for clinical translation, potentially allowing for reduced dosage while maintaining or improving diagnostic accuracy.
Source: Investigative Radiology
Institution: Bracco (Italy)
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7140129168