Functional computed tomography imaging of tumor-induced angiogenesis: preliminary results of new tracer kinetic modeling using a computer discretization approach.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to establish functional computed tomography (CT) imaging as a method for assessing tumor-induced angiogenesis.


METHODS
Functional CT imaging was mathematically analyzed for 14 renal cell carcinomas by means of two-compartment modeling using a computer-discretization approach. The model incorporated diffusible kinetics of contrast medium including leakage from the capillary to the extravascular compartment and back-flux to the capillary compartment. The correlations between functional CT parameters [relative blood volume (rbv), permeability 1 (Pm1), and permeability 2 (Pm2)] and histopathological markers of angiogenesis [microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] were statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
The modeling was successfully performed, showing similarity between the mathematically simulated curve and the measured time-density curve. There were significant linear correlations between MVD grade and Pm1 (r = 0.841, P = 0.001) and between VEGF grade and Pm2 (r = 0.804, P = 0.005) by Pearson's correlation coefficient.


CONCLUSIONS
This method may be a useful tool for the assessment of tumor-induced angiogenesis.
Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
Katsuhiko
K
Kaneoya
Takuya
T
Ueda
Hiroshi
H
Suito
Youhei
Y
Nanazawa
Junichi
J
Tamaru
Kouichi
K
Isobe
Yukio
Y
Naya
Toyofusa
T
Tobe
Ken
K
Motoori
Seiji
S
Yamamoto
Geoffrey D
GD
Rubin
Manabu
M
Minami
Hisao
H
Ito
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007472:Iohexol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
D003287:Contrast Media; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D007472:Iohexol