Non-invasive assessment of vessel morphology and function in tumors by magnetic resonance imaging.
The switch to an angiogenic phenotype is an important precondition for tumor growth, invasion and spread. Since newly formed vessels are characterized by structural, functional and molecular abnormalities, they offer promising targets for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Previous studies indicate that MRI is valuable to assess vessel morphology and function. It can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions and to improve delineation of proliferating areas within heterogeneous tumors. In addition, tracer kinetic analysis of contrast-enhanced image series allows the estimation of well-defined physiological parameters such as blood volume, blood flow and vessel permeability. Frequently, changes of these parameters during cytostatic, anti-angiogenic and radiation therapy precede tumor volume reduction. Moreover, target-specific MRI techniques can be used to elucidate the expression of angiogenic markers at the molecular level. This review summarizes strategies for non-invasive characterization of tumor vascularization by functional and molecular MRI, hereby introducing representative preclinical and clinical applications.
Kiessling
Fabian
F
Junior Group Molecular Imaging, German Cancer Research Center, INF 280, 96121,Heidelberg, Germany. F.Kiessling@dkfz.de
Jugold
Manfred
M
Woenne
Eva C
EC
Brix
Gunnar
G
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media