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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Tumor Hypoxia Assessment: In Vivo 3D Oxygen Imaging Through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Published on: February 14, 2025
Ultrasound guided, pre-radiation oxygen measurements using polarographic oxygen needle electrodes in spontaneous
Roger Achermann1, Stefanie Ohlerth, Janean Fidel
1Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology, Veterinary Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Background:
Poor tumour oxygenation is associated with radiation resistance. The recording of pre-treatment oxygenation status has been shown to be of prognostic relevance.
Material And Methods:
Eleven dogs with spontaneously arising soft tissue sarcomas were included in this study. Oxygen partial pressure measurements (pO2) were performed with the Eppendorf method.
Results:
The mean of median pO2 was 9.6 mmHg (range: 0.1-30 mmHg). Four of the nine dogs included in the statistical analysis showed a median pO2 < or = 2.5 mmHg. The natural logarithm of the hypoxic subvolume correlated with the hypoxic fraction < or = 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.0712) and < or 5 mmHg (p = 0.0988). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) correlated significantly to several oxygen parameters.
Conclusion:
Hypoxia exists in spontaneous canine soft tissue sarcomas and the dog can be used as a reliable model for repeated oxygenation measurements. Ultrasonography assures reliability of needle placement.
