BOLD MRI of human tumor oxygenation during carbogen breathing.
An MRI method is described for demonstrating improved oxygenation of human tumors and normal tissues during carbogen inhalation (95% O2, 5% CO2). T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging was performed before, during, and after carbogen breathing in 47 tumor patients and 13 male volunteers. Analysis of artifacts and signal intensity was performed. Thirty-six successful tumor examinations were obtained. Twenty showed significant whole-tumor signal increases (mean 21.0%, range 6.5-82.4%), and one decreased (-26.5 +/- 8.0%). Patterns of signal change were heterogeneous in responding tumors. Five of 13 normal prostate glands (four volunteers and nine patients with nonprostatic tumors) showed significant enhancement (mean 11.4%, range 8.4-14.0%). An increase in brain signal was seen in 11 of 13 assessable patients (mean 8.0 +/- 3.7%, range 5.0-11.7%). T2*-weighted tumor MRI during carbogen breathing is possible in humans. High failure rates occurred due to respiratory distress. Significant enhancement was seen in 56%, suggesting improved tissue oxygenation and blood flow, which could identify these patients as more likely to benefit from carbogen radiosensitization.
Taylor
N J
NJ
Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, United Kingdom. taylor@graylab.ac.uk
Baddeley
H
H
Goodchild
K A
KA
Powell
M E
ME
Thoumine
M
M
Culver
L A
LA
Stirling
J J
JJ
Saunders
M I
MI
Hoskin
P J
PJ
Phillips
H
H
Padhani
A R
AR
Griffiths
J R
JR
D000368:Aged; D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D010100:Oxygen; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011467:Prostate / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; C011700:carbogen; D010100:Oxygen