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Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model
Published on: April 18, 2015
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in oncology drug development
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. hai-ling.cheng@sickkids.ca
Abstract:
Angiogenesis, long recognized as a key factor in tumor growth and metastasis, has been the target of new anticancer treatment paradigms. Development of antiangiogenesis drugs is challenging, mainly due to the difficulty of determining the correct dosage and the time required to observe a clinical effect. In the past decade, imaging has shown potential to answer these questions and accelerate the drug development process by providing functional, morphological, and even molecular characterization. In this review, we describe existing challenges to modern drug development and the potential of imaging biomarkers to monitor drug bioactivity and establish early response of drug efficacy. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), particularly attractive for its non-invasiveness and high spatial resolution, has been useful for measuring properties of tumor microvasculature. The general methodology of DCE-MRI is described, in addition to measurable hemodynamic parameters compared to other imaging modalities. Experience with DCE-MRI in antiangiogenesis cancer therapy and results from correlative studies are examined. Current challenges for DCE-MRI, especially in relation to the required sensitivity and reproducibility, are highlighted. We conclude with an outlook on the future of DCE-MRI, including its role in the emerging field of imaging molecular markers of angiogenesis for target-specific therapy.
Insights
Imaging biomarkers, like dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), can accelerate antiangiogenesis drug development by monitoring tumor response. DCE-MRI offers insights into tumor microvasculature, aiding in dosage and efficacy assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
- Developing antiangiogenesis drugs faces challenges in dosage determination and clinical effect observation.
- Imaging biomarkers show promise in accelerating drug development by providing functional, morphological, and molecular characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenges in modern drug development.
- To explore the potential of imaging biomarkers in monitoring antiangiogenesis drug bioactivity and efficacy.
- To examine the role of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) in this context.
Main Methods:
- Description of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) methodology.
- Comparison of DCE-MRI with other imaging modalities for measuring hemodynamic parameters.
- Review of experience and correlative studies of DCE-MRI in antiangiogenesis cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- DCE-MRI is valuable for non-invasively measuring tumor microvasculature properties.
- The technique aids in assessing drug bioactivity and early signs of treatment efficacy.
- Correlative studies demonstrate the utility of DCE-MRI in antiangiogenesis therapy.
Conclusions:
- DCE-MRI presents a promising tool for overcoming challenges in antiangiogenesis drug development.
- Further improvements in sensitivity and reproducibility are needed for DCE-MRI.
- Future applications include imaging molecular markers for targeted therapies.
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