Microdensitometry of T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images from patients with advanced neoplasias in a phase I clinical trial of an infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether an infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD)-induced pathophysiologic changes could be identified before measurable modifications in tumor volume.


METHODS
Pre-and post-IPLD treatment magnetic resonance (MR) images of tumor heterogeneities and peritumoral tissues were digitized and a linear transformation was performed to convert images to 256 intensity levels. Data were analyzed by using the Student's t-test and the Kolmogorov-Sminov test (alpha = 0.05).


RESULTS
The post-treatment mean intensity values of tumor heterogeneities increased significantly (P < 0.001) for all of the seven patients (n = 7) evaluated. For peritumoral tissues, a significant increase (P < 0.001) was measured in four patients (n = 4). The Kolmogorov-Sminov test showed significant values for the tumor tissue of six (n = 6) patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study of early evidence of anti-cancer activity of a novel IPLD showing a significant increase in the water content of tumor heterogeneities before measurable changes in tumor volume.
Santana-Blank
Luis A
LA
Fundalas, Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Development, Caracas Venezuela. fundalas@mail2science.com
Reyes
Heberto
H
Rodríguez-Santana
Elizabeth
E
Santana-Rodríguez
Karin E
KE
D000328:Adult; D003720:Densitometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*