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Magnetic resonance imaging applications in the evaluation of tumor angiogenesis
M Neeman1, J M Provenzale, M W Dewhirst
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. lhneeman@wicc.weizmann.ac.il
Abstract:
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is a critical component in the development of solid tumors. Over the last decade, progress in the study of the biology of angiogenesis has led to identification of a large number of molecules that promote, participate, and regulate the growth of new vessels in normal tissue and in tumors. Consequently, many new targets for suppression of angiogenesis have been identified and are now at various stages of development and evaluation in clinical trials. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an attractive tool for in vivo analysis of the basic biology of angiogenesis, for preclinical evaluation of the activity of a number of potential antiangiogenic agents, as well as for clinical detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. One of the features of MRI is the wide range of physiologic parameters by which angiogenesis can be imaged. This review presents the biological basis of angiogenesis with emphasis on characteristics of the neovasculature that can be used for imaging, followed by an overview of the MRI approaches that are being evaluated for the analysis of tumor angiogenesis.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for studying tumor angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels in solid tumors. MRI enables in vivo analysis and evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapies, aiding in cancer detection and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for solid tumor development.
- Significant advancements have identified numerous molecular regulators of angiogenesis in both normal tissues and tumors.
- This has led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for suppressing tumor angiogenesis, currently in clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological underpinnings of angiogenesis, focusing on neovasculature characteristics relevant for imaging.
- To provide an overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques being evaluated for analyzing tumor angiogenesis.
- To highlight MRI's utility in preclinical and clinical settings for assessing angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on angiogenesis biology and molecular targets.
- Exploration of the physiological parameters of angiogenesis amenable to MRI.
- Overview of various MRI approaches for in vivo imaging of tumor neovasculature.
Main Results:
- MRI offers a versatile platform for in vivo analysis of angiogenesis due to its wide range of imagingable physiologic parameters.
- Specific features of tumor neovasculature can be targeted and visualized using advanced MRI techniques.
- MRI facilitates preclinical assessment of anti-angiogenic agents and clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable tool for understanding tumor angiogenesis biology and evaluating therapeutic strategies.
- The ability to image angiogenesis through various physiological parameters makes MRI essential for cancer research and clinical practice.
- Continued development of MRI approaches promises enhanced capabilities for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.